KARACHI, Feb 7: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has directed that entire process from netting of fish to its transportation to harbour and to market and then its export, be brought at par with international hygienic standards.

In this regard, he called for formulating a coordinated line of action and ensuring its complete implementation within a month.

He was chairing a high-level meeting held at Governor House here on Monday evening in which the entire system of shrimp catch and its marketing was reviewed.

The meeting was attended by EPB chairman and state minister Tariq Ikram, senior miniser Syed Sardar Ahmed, advisor on fisheries Fakir Jadim Mangrio, chief secretary Mohammed Aslam Sanjrani, principal secretary Brig (Retd) Akhtar Zamin, federal secretary fisheries, chairman, Fishermen Cooperative Society and other officials.

The governor emphasised that the country can progress in the fisheries sector by bringing our fishing system in accordance with international standard. This process would prove beneficial not only for our country but also our fishermen and people.

He called for upgrading the fishing boats on fast track under a phased programme and stressed on maintaining hygienic conditions at the harbour.

The governor also stressed on implementation of programme for extending loans to fishermen on easy terms in order to help equip the fishing trade with better and necessary facilities. In this regard, he said, coordination between fishermen and SMEDA should be ensured.

Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said that whole programme should be carried out with continuity instead of implementing the same on ad hoc basis. In this regard he directed the Chief Secretary to organise effective monitoring with coordination between concerned provincial and federal departments.

He told the meeting that he would again review the matter after a fortnight.-APP