KARACHI, Feb 9: The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) on Wednesday took out a procession in protest against contract system for fishing rights. The participants started their march from Regal Chowk, Saddar, before converging on the Karachi Press Club.

One of the resolutions, adopted at the rally urged the government not to impose the contract system and recognize the right of fishermen community on fishing by issuing licence to them.

The participants called on the government not to interfere in the formation of the fishermen cooperative society in Badin, take serious action against certain companies for using banned fishing nets, allot jetties to fishermen and impose a ban on deep-sea trawlers. They also demanded scrapping of Kalabagh Dam and Greater Thal Canal projects.

Addressing the protesters, PFF Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah said that fishermen were an oppressed community of the country. "Fishing is the only source of their income but contractors and waderas want to snatch their livelihood in connivance with some ministers and government officials," he deplored.

PPP leader Rashid Rabbani criticized the rulers for destroying national resources, and said that people are being deprived of their jobs and businesses. He observed that labour class was living much below the poverty line.

PML-N leader Zain Ansari pledged full support to fishermen from his party in achieving their rights.

Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz leader Hakim Notiar said that any step against the interests of fishermen community would be resisted.

Among others who took part in the protest rally were, Dr Sikandar Mandro of PPP, Gul Mohammad Jakhrani of SNF, Ali Hasan Chandio of Taraqqi Pasand Party, Asghar Khan and Hakim Ali Halepoto of Sindh National Party, Noor Nabi Rahujo and Mazhar Ali Advocate of Awami Tehrik, Yousuf Masti Khan of Pakistan Workers Party, as well as representatives of Piler, HRCP, Amnesty International, ActionAid, Aurat Foundation, WWF, Pakistan Women Lawyers Association, National Trade Union Federation and Peoples Forum for Peace. -PPI