KARACHI, June 11: A draft law aimed at banning the use of such disasterous nets is ready for legislation and after its approval, all sorts of fine nets, detrimental to juvenile fish species in the coastal area of the province, will completely be banned.

This was stated by the provincial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries and Chairman of Fishermen Cooperative Society, Manzoor Ali Panhwar, while addressing a gathering of fishermen in Lath Basti, a coastal town in the city.

The minister deplored the miserable condition of the fishermen localities, mostly deprived of basic amenities like water, electricity, health and education. He assured them that the government was determined to help them become economically sound and improve their standard of living by providing all basic facilities.

He regretted that though it was an old locality, the poor inhabitant were still deprived of better roads and other essential facilities.

“They have no school, hospital and potable water for long,” the minister acknowledged.

Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Cooperative Society Abu Zar Mariwala lamented that condition of fishermen had not changed despite the presence of these areas’ elected representative in the assemblies.

EXPORTS: Meanwhile, at a reception given in honour of Sun Chun Yei, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Panhwar highlighted the role of China in improving Pakistan’s fisheries sector.

He said China was one of the major importer of frozen fish products from Pakistan.

He said that about 15,000 million tons of frozen fish, valued at US$10 million, was being exported annually to China. The main products are ribbon fish, eels and croakers.

The minister pointed out that 80 per cent of live seafood, including crab and lobster, was also being exported to China.