KARACHI, April 20: Over 50 navymen inducted in the Karachi Fish Harbour in 1999 to streamline its working would be discharged from their duties in a day or two, it is learnt here.

The services of these navymen were acquired by Commodore Tayyab Naqvi when he took charge of Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA).

Besides security, they were assigned the job to look after the working of the auction halls to eliminate pilferage and ensure hygienic conditions at the harbour.

An overall impressive improvement is witnessed in the harbour since the induction of navy personnel. The presence of navymen has always been welcomed by all segments of fisheries sector.

Talking to Dawn on Sunday, Mr Tayyab Naqvi confirmed that the navy personnel would be withdrawn from the Karachi Fish Harbour when a formal notification of the newly appointed chairman would be issued by the Sindh government. He said it was expected on Tuesday.

Last Tuesday, the Sindh government replaced Mr Naqvi as chairman of the KHFA, and appointed the provincial livestock minister, Manzoor Panhwar, as the new chairman.

The minister, who is currently on a visit to the interior of Sindh to condole the death of a relative, is expected to return to the city by Monday.

Talking to Dawn from Jacobabad, the minister said the delay in formal takeover was due to his personal engagement in the interior.

He said after taking over charge he would announce a package for the welfare of fishermen. He added that all-out efforts would be made to further improve the working condition of the Karachi Fish Harbour.