• Three-day festival by Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum concludes with a conference
• Speakers highlight longstanding problems faced by fishing communities
• Say families continue to suffer as their loved ones remain behind bars despite constitutional protections

BADIN: The fisherfolk community has called for the immediate release of Pakistani fishermen imprisoned in India as dozens of families continue to suffer while their loved ones remain behind bars in the neighbouring country, despite constitutional protections and bilateral obligations regarding unintentional crossings of the maritime boundary.

The unanimous demand was made by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) during a conference held on the final day of a three-day festival in the coastal belt of Badin.

The longstanding problems faced by fishing communities were highlighted during the event.

Addressing the gathering, PFF Central President Mehran Ali Shah said that even today, fishermen remain deprived of basic facilities and fundamental rights. The federal and provincial governments still do not recognise fishermen as formal labourers, due to which they remain deprived of benefits and protections available to other workers.

Citing Constitutional provisions, Mr Shah emphasised that as per Article 73, no fisherman from Pakistan or India can be arrested for unintentionally crossing the maritime boundary, and in case of arrest, both governments are obligated to ensure their early release. But despite this, he said, dozens of Pakistani fishermen continue to languish in Indian prisons while their families remain in severe distress and financial constraint.

Former Badin Press Club President Tanveer Ahmed Arain, PFF Sindh President Muhammad Mallah, Ramzan Mallah, Allah Bachayo Mallah, Umar Mallah, Raheem Chandio, and Sajjan Shaikh also spoke on the occasion. They lamented that coastal communities still lack healthcare, education, food security, and clean water. Moreover, unclear sea boundaries and the absence of safety measures expose fishermen to life-threatening risks, they pointed out.

During the event, the PFF president also shared that in collaboration with Viva Welfare Foundation, the PFF has launched initiatives to improve access to clean drinking water, address malnutrition, and expand basic facilities for coastal communities.

Sindh Assembly MPA Taj Muhammad Mallah said the Sindh government had abolished the contract system in coastal waters to ensure fishermen’s right to free fishing. PPP District General Secretary Dr Sajjad Chandio said that the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Card has provided livelihood protection to fishermen, reaffirming the party’s commitment to resolving their issues.

Through unanimously approved resolutions, the speakers demanded road construction in coastal areas, restoration of fishermen’s basic rights, a halt to the “destructive impacts of the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD),” protection of aquatic life, and measures to curb environmental degradation.

The festival concluded with a performance by renowned Sindhi artist Ustad Kareem Kacchi, while children from Karachi’s fisherfolk community presented national and cultural songs.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025