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KARACHI, Aug 7: An action committee for the protection of fishermen’s rights was formed here on Tuesday by representatives of the fisherfolk community. The newly-formed committee has decided to observe a complete strike in the coastal areas of Sindh, including the Karachi Fish Harbour, on August 9 in protest against the indifferent attitude of the government towards the problems of the fishermen community.
All fishing activity would stop and there would be no landing of shrimps at the Karachi Harbour on the day.
The committee’s announcement was made by Haji Shafi Mohammad Jamote, head of the fishermen community at Ibrahim Hayderi village, who is also one of the directors of the 15-member board of directors of the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, at a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club.
Mr Jamote accused the owners of processing units of creating an artificial crisis at the Karachi Fish Harbour by forcing the fishermen to sell shrimps at throwaway prices on the pretext of a ban on the imports of Pakistan seafood by European countries. He said that the exporters, who earlier bought shrimps at Rs600 per kilo, are now paying Rs200 per kilo.
He said the abrupt decrease in shrimp prices had perturbed the fishermen because they would be unable to meet the high cost of fuel and food, besides the necessities of daily life.
Mr Jamote criticised the policies of the federal and provincial governments vis-à-vis fishermen and held them responsible for the miserable conditions of the community.
He said several government agencies were working in the fisheries sector but did not bring the slightest improvement into the sector.
The EU countries had banned the imports of Pakistani seafood some three months back and de-listed some 11 processing units, but the government did nothing to restore the confidence of the EU importers, he claimed.
Mr Jamote said that working conditions at the harbour had never been up to the mark and the situation had worsened after the takeover of political appointees to the FCS board.
He said if steps were not taken to stabilise the prices of shrimps, the fishermen would be forced to close the KPT and Keamari channels and would launch a phase-wise struggle.
Also present at the press conference were Mr Mohammad Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, FCS directors Haji Younis, Haji Ali, Habibullah Niazi and representatives of the fisherfolk communities Haji Faqir Mohammad, Zur Khan, Asif Bhatti, Haji Sargand, Haji Ahmad Kuchchi and Gohar Khan.
