KARACHI – Fishermen thronged the streets on Friday to celebrate the amendments passed by the provincial assembly in Sindh Fisheries Ordinance 1980 for abolishing the contract system of water bodies.
Dozens of fishermen took out a rally to celebrate and linked the step to their long struggle against the system. They urged the government to strictly implement the law for ensuring that the rights of fishermen were protected.
The fishermen have been struggling for a long time demanding the abolition of contract system from inland water bodies, as influential people and political figures do not allow others to fish in the water bodies after getting the contract.
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) in month-long efforts from November 28 to December 31, 2010 had warned the government that in case of its failure, hundreds of fishermen from all over the province would be mobilised to stage a sit-in in front of the Sindh Assembly.
Addressing the fishermen, PFF leaders said it was the outcome of the community’s participation, their unity and above all their participation in the campaign.
PFF spokesman Sami Memon termed the amendment a ray of hope, believing that the government would implement the orders with political will to safeguard the rights of neglected fishermen communities.
Contract system was initiated in 1977 in Sindh, when some influential were awarded contracts on political grounds. They took control of some water bodies, depriving the indigenous fishermen of their livelihoods. The fishermen were compelled to hand over their entire catch to the contractors on less than the market rates. In case of resistance, the fishermen had to face hardships, abuse and cruelty. This situation affected a large number of families.
The PFF through its district-level survey after the floods had found that around 300 water bodies were under the control of certain people. The devastating floods had created a ray of hope for the province’s fishermen by recharging freshwater lakes and ponds.
