The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum is a non-governmental organization that works to advance the goal of social, economic, cultural and political rights of small scale indigenous fisher communities in Pakistan. more
KPT beat a hasty retreat
In the absence of a sustainable fisheries policy in Pakistan, departments directly and indirectly associated with the fisheries hit the fishers when they get any chance of it. Time after time the institutions and individuals rise up against poor fishers. As these days the DHA (Defence Housing Authority) is persistent to harming the fishers by hook or by crook. A month ago, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) authorities commenced doing the same that the DHA has been doing. KPT barred the fishers of Kemari area to anchor their boats at China creek as the DHA has barred the fishers of Machi Mayan village to stop their boast in Gizri creek area. Looking back into the history, it comes to the knowledge that KPT has been applying nasty tricks of dislodging the poor fishers of Keamari. For a long time, the fishers of Keamari have been victim of harsh behavior of KPT. It has had tortured them on different times. The fishers tolerated their harshness at a great length. But this time, the fishers made commitment to resist the KPT and get their rights by using all peaceful means.
In February 2005, Commandant Port Security Force, through a letter (i.e. NQ: HQs/PSF/G425) had allowed the fishers of Keamari to berth their boats behind Zaiuddin Medical College Complex (China Creek) Keamari. Moreover, the letter said that the fishers “are allowed for fishing in oyster rock area & PIDC Channel”. Previously, in Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's first tenure (1988 to 1990), the fishers were asked to evict the
Oil Platform Three which also falls in the keamari twon. The fishers did not resist the KPT because they believed that the KPT is providing them a permanent place at China Creek. But it was proved that KPT works on the false lines. In June 2008, the KPT again started barring them to bring over their boats at the China Creek.
On 12th June, representative body of PFF met at PFF's secretariat at Ibrahim Hyderi to review the situation and devolve a strategy against the KPT. Muhammad Ali Shah, chairperson PFF, said that PFF would launch a drive against the KPT's attitude. He said that fishing is the only livelihood source of fishing communities and the fishing can only be done if the boats have space to stop at the jetties. In the meeting, Muhammad
Anwar Panhwar, president Kemari Unit PFF and Saeed Baloch, General Secretary PFF were also present on the occasion.
On 16th June 2008, Saeed Baloch and community members met with the KPT security officers who on the orders of KPT chairperson were threatening and barring the fishers.
On 21st June, PFF sent letter to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Sayed Qaim Ali Shah. Also a letter to the KPT head which was made CC to Abdul Qadir Patel (MNA) and Akhtar Jadoon (MPA).
On 23rd June, Sami Memon, Akhtar Sheikh and Muhammad Anwar met with the fisheries ministers. On 24th June, Saeed Baloch, Sami Memon and community members met with the fisheries department.
On 25th media campaign was launched in which press people were taken to the KPT port and informed about the situation. On the same day, on the directions of Chief Minister Sindh, the Special Assistant to C.M wrote a letter to the KPT chairperson, in which it was asked to the KPT head to look into the matter and take immediate necessary actions. After the letter from C.M, the KPT security men have retreated and have allowed to the fishers to anchor their boats at the China Creek. It is great news for the fishers of Keamari who in the interim were subject to an abject poverty and despondency. PFF feels that still the issue has not been resolved properly. The KPT any time can make mess again. This is why, it demands to the present government to issue proper documents to the fishermen who can live and work with peace of mind.
