Karachi, Sindh

“Our profession needs recognition, and our presence must be felt. As Indigenous people, we have been facing numerous challenges—from the impacts of climate change to man-made disasters,” demanded the fishermen of Sindh on November 10, 2024.

In a historic first-ever Fisherwomen’s Assembly, hundreds of women from across the city and different districts of Sindh gathered to demand the government’s action on multiple issues.

Among their demands were the immediate release of detained Pakistani fishermen in India and a call for the government to stop the flow of water from the Indus River, which is crucial to their livelihoods.

“Fisherwomen work day and night alongside their men,” said Yasmeen Shah, Vice Chairperson of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF). “They support their families and are among the hardest hit by climate change.” She further explained that influential individuals were depriving them of their means of livelihood. “We demand that fisherwomen be given their due rights, and that is only possible if our profession is recognized,” she added.

The event also showcased the rich cultural and social values of the fishing community, with local food, embroidery, and lifestyle on display at various stalls. Through performances, young boys and girls highlighted the struggles their parents have endured for years.

Speaking to the participants, Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairman of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, revealed that 181 Pakistani fishermen are currently detained in Indian jails. “There is no consular access to 23 of these fishermen,” he said. “We demand that the Indian government immediately release all detained fishermen.” He also urged the provincial government to facilitate the children of fishermen by providing access to government schools and hospitals. “I call on the provincial government to issue the ‘Mahigeer Card,’ similar to the one issued to Sindh’s farmers,” he said, emphasizing that a social safety net is critical for the survival of the fishing community.

Read: India should release Pakistani fishermen

Renowned social activist Ayesha Dharejo emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to support fishermen, particularly the women. “The new canals on the Indus River will further worsen the fishing community’s lives,” she warned. She encouraged participants to engage with lawmakers and demand their rights. “Fisherwomen are brave,” she said. “They endure countless hardships but continue to support their families. I salute their courage.”

Anusha Kamal from PILER also praised the fisherwomen’s resilience, saying, “Fishermen are the true identity of Karachi, but sadly, they have been marginalized.”

Aneeta Panjwani from the Women Action Forum echoed this sentiment, highlighting that despite their significance, the fishing community has been sidelined.

Speakers also called for urgent government intervention to address the systemic issues facing the fishing community. “Our lakes have been occupied. Our waters have been stolen. Our livelihoods have been encroached upon by the powerful,” said Mehran Ali Shah, Chairman of PFF. “We lack basic facilities, and what we need is justice, not charity,” he added. Shah criticized the provincial government for failing to take the fishermen’s issues seriously.

Read: Fishermen of Sindh stage rally, sit-in for rights

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Karachi, Sindh

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) jointly staged a demonstration outside Karachi Press Club on Thursday to protest against the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and demanded to stop funding to the projects of plants generating electricity through the gas.

Speaking at the demonstration, PFF Senior Vice Chairperson Fatima Majeed, General Secretary Saeed Baloch, Asad Iqbal Butt of Human Rights Commission, Imdad Khosa, Manzoor Razi of Railway Trade Union, and other leaders of civil society including Majeed Motani, Talib Kuchhi and others said that ADB has provided 12 billion dollars to the power plants that would generate electricity by using the gas.

They said that the gas has no capacity to generate power more than 20 to 35 percent. Moreover, gas consumption for power generation also adversely impacts the environment and causes the climate change effects. The civil society leaders said that the domestic consumers are being deprived of gas due to gas-fired power plants.

They urged the ADB to stop funding to gas-fired power plants and instead encourage solar and wind power plants in Pakistan, which has huge potential but only 369 MW are being produced from solar power and 1838MW from wind power plants.

The protest demonstrations are held in Lahore, Bangkok, Manila, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Jakarta and other cities, they said. (PR)

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