KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided that fishermen will not be allowed to register, obtain licenses, or register their fishing boats without providing a valid NADRA-issued identification.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, on Thursday. Senior officials from security agencies, Pakistan Customs, and federal and provincial fisheries departments also attended the meeting.
The meeting resolved that registration of fishermen and their fishing boats will only be allowed if the fishermen produce valid identification issued by NADRA. This measure aims to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling under the pretext of fishing and to ensure accountability along the coastal belt.
Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani said the move will also help eliminate child labour in the fishing sector. He added that the government will issue warnings through electronic, print, and social media, stating that one month from now, anyone caught using illegal fishing nets will face both fines and imprisonment simultaneously. He further stated that fishermen who voluntarily surrender illegal nets will be provided legal alternatives to continue their fishing operations. “This approach will help protect marine life along the coast,” he added.
The minister also highlighted that efforts are underway to provide fishermen with permanent insurance and fishing cards, which will soon be rolled out as part of their welfare program. He emphasized that the government is committed to taking all necessary steps to curb illegal fishing.
The meeting also decided that all agencies operating along the coastal belt will coordinate under a joint system, including the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guard, Pakistan Maritime Security Agencies, Sindh Police, and officials from federal and provincial fisheries departments.
The agencies will monitor operations under a “one-window” system to ensure proper checks and balances. Attendees of the meeting included Secretary Livestock and Fisheries Kazim Hussain Jatoi, Chairperson Fishermen Cooperative Society Ms. Fatima Majid, DG Marine Fisheries Pakistan Dr. Mansoor Wasan, DG Sindh Marine Fisheries Dr. Asim Hussain, SSP Karachi Port City Syed Hasan Raza, Colonel Yasir Nazir (Pakistan Coast Guard), Lieutenant Colonel Umair Ali (Pakistan Rangers), Major Najm-ul-Hassan (GSO HQ Pakistan Army 5 Corps), Syed Muhammad Raza (ADC Pakistan Customs), and other senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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