KARACHI, June 29: A protest was held outside the Karachi Press Club by the fisherfolk community and various political parties, trade unions and NGOs to deplore excesses against fisherfolk and contract system.

The protesters who came from different parts of the province, despite arrest of hundreds of them on their way, were carrying flags and placards against police excesses and contract system.

Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum’s chairman Mohammad Ali Shah alleged that when protest was taking place, Steel Town Police again stopped the fleet of buses coming from Thatta and sent the fishermen back.

He said that people were even prevented to join Thursday’s protest and PFF’s central secretariat in Sachal Hall, Ibrahim Hyderi was also raided.

The call for protest was given by the Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum, and those who took part in it included representatives of Pakistan Peoples Party, Sindh Tarraqi Pasand Party, Awami Tehrik, Jiyae Sindh Qaumi Mahahz, Muslim League (N), Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, Action Aid, Aurat Foundation, Pakistan Clerk’s Association and others.