Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has termed the displacement of fishermen from the coastal belts as a "basic human rights violation", saying that their rights on fresh and marine waters should be recognised.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at Karachi Press Club, Chairman of PFF, Muhammad Ali Shah, said that his organisation would celebrate the 'world fishermen day' on November 21, with a view to press the longstanding demands for resolution of their basic problems.
He said that in this regard a large cultural rally would be staged from Regal Chowk to Karachi Press Club on Friday, which would be attended by fishermen from all coastal belts besides Sindh Fisheries Minister Zahid Ali Bhurgari, and other ministers and political figures.
The primary objective is to highlight the problems of fisherman, he said, adding that they are demanding of the newly PPP government to protect their rights. Shah demanded that the government should abolish contract system, free the natural resources in rivers and lakes from landlords' control, and put complete ban on deep-sea trawlers besides ensuring pollution-free fresh and marine waters.
He said that the government should restore the flow of 35 million acre-feet water downstream Kotri to protect the Indus delta against destruction, provide basic amenities in the fishermen communities including health, education and water and protect the fishermen from displacement at the hands of DHA, KPT and other such institutions.
He added that the government should evolve a 'Sindh fisheries policy' in consultation with PFF to protect fishermen's basic rights, and stop sale of islands. He expressed hope that the government would carry out legislation for the betterment of the country's fishermen.
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