KARACHI: Sindh government has initiated comprehensive planning to upgrade the Karachi Fish Harbour in accordance with the standards set by the European Union, ensuring that the harbour is fully aligned with EU requirements before the visit of the European audit delegation.
In this regard, an important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, during which developmental and technical matters related to the fish harbor were discussed in detail.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Livestock Dr. Qasim Hussain Jatoi, DG Marine Fisheries Dr Mansoor Wassan, MD Fish Harbor Dr Zahid Kemtio, Additional Secretary Technical Dr Ali Muhammad Mastoi, Deputy Secretary Livestock Muhammad Imran, engineers and officers from Works & Services, P&D Building Department, and Fisheries.
Key issues related to pontoons and jetties were discussed, and the provincial minister instructed the concerned authorities to resolve these technical matters on a priority basis to ensure that harbour operations are not affected.
Taking serious notice of the malfunctioning street lights at the fish harbour, the minister directed that the installation and repair of all street lights be completed within two months.
The meeting also expressed concern over poor sanitation, encroachments in the red zone, and the presence of abandoned and dysfunctional launches. The minister issued directives to ensure daily cleaning of the harbour, removal of encroachments from the red zone, and immediate eviction of unfit and non-functional boats.
He also instructed the upgrading of the boat registration and wireless communication systems.
The need for immediate attention to fishing boat registration, licensing standards, and wireless system upgradation was also emphasized.
The provincial minister informed the meeting that an EU audit delegation will soon visit Karachi Fish Harbour, and therefore all departments must fulfill their responsibilities fully and on time. He warned that any department failing to complete its work within the stipulated timeframe will face action. Muhammad Ali Malkani stated that the upgrade of the fish harbour is important not only for the fisheries sector but also for Karachi’s economic activities.
He expressed hope that once clearance from the European Union is obtained, fish exports to European and other countries will increase significantly, leading to improved foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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