Badin (Report: Mehfooz Shah): The newly formed district body of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum in Badin has announced that it will intensify its struggle for the rights, livelihoods, ownership and economic security of the local fishing community.
Speaking at a press conference, Fisherfolk Forum leaders said that fishermen are a valuable asset of the country. They risk their lives while working in the sea and other water bodies and play an important role in the national economy. However, fishermen in Badin district continue to face a serious lack of basic facilities, including clean drinking water, healthcare, education, electricity and roads.
The leaders paid tribute to the struggle of late Muhammad Ali Shah, founder of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, and pledged that the fishing community would not be left alone. They said the struggle for the rights and ownership of fishermen in Badin would be continued with renewed determination under the guidance and efforts of founder leaders and activists.
They said the situation of fishermen in Badin is particularly difficult, as many fishing settlements and fishing areas lack clean drinking water, electricity, healthcare, roads and other essential facilities. They urged the government and concerned departments to address these issues on a priority basis.
Seven demands of the Fisherfolk Forum
- Fishermen should be provided with their basic and legal rights, along with protection and freedom to fish in their traditional fishing areas.
- Clean drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, roads and other basic facilities should be provided in fishing settlements.
- Fishermen should be provided with fishing nets, boats and other essential fishing equipment.
- Alleged illegal occupation of fishermen’s rights and resources should be investigated through a transparent and impartial inquiry.
- Practical steps should be taken to ensure fair and reasonable prices for fish.
- A permanent and practical policy should be introduced to protect the livelihoods and economic security of fishermen.
- A permanent mechanism should be established to monitor fishermen’s problems and ensure timely action by the government and relevant departments.
The Fisherfolk Forum leaders made it clear that the newly formed Badin district body would continue its legal, democratic and peaceful struggle for the rights, livelihoods and dignity of fishermen.
The press conference was attended by Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Badin District President M. Soomar Mallah, Senior Vice President Sajan Sheikh, Vice President Abdul Khaliq Mallah, General Secretary Abdul Razzaq Mallah, Joint Secretary Haider Ali Mallah and other office-bearers and leaders. President of the Khawaja Jamaat Mukhtiar Khawaja, Azizullah Dero, journalists from the National Press Club and other community leaders also attended the event.
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