The Sindh Assembly on Friday was told that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a summary to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to families of all the fishermen who were arrested by India.
Sindh Minister for Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani answering the questions of MPAs during question-hour on fisheries said that fish farming had not been generally decreased at Badin, Tando Bago and Pangrio Talhar.
He said that in 2014 the number of fish farms in these areas was 272 and in 2016 it now stood at 305, adding that there was no fish farm in Mithi due to a sandy area and shortage of water.
To another question, he admitted that there was no medical facility on boats being provided to the fishermen but dispensaries have been set up for their health.
He said that to improve the life of fishermen, the fisheries department has taken various initiatives for the betterment of fishermen, these including abolishing the leasing system, construction of model village for fishermen at Manchar Lake, Keenjhar Lake and Zero Point, Badin, which include provision of dispensaries, construction of fishermen colony at Murad Shah Mian and Rylo Mian at downstream Kotri Barrage, provision of fishing gears and construction of R.O plants and landing jetties.
Replying to a question, he said that boats are initially registered by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) government of Pakistan according to the Pakistan Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2001.
Each fishing boat either belonging to Sindh or Balochistan has to obtain a registration certificate from principal officer of the MMD. He further said that Sindh government only issues permission and license for fishing to the boats operating in territorial waters.
