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

_______________

Read – Big Dam Electricity: How Clean and Cheap is it Really? The Untold Truths

The post Sindh Fisherwomen demand recognition, rights, justice at historic assembly first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) UK has awarded the Honorary Fellowship to Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Professor Emeritus Radiation Oncology of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) Karachi.

The Honorary Fellowship by the RCR is the most prestigious award given to a non-Fellow of the College. Only 78 individuals worldwide have been honored with this award. On Friday, 28th June 2024, it was awarded to Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood at Central Hall Westminster, London. The citation highlighted his work in the field of radiology and radiation oncology in Pakistan.

Award of Fellowship is the recognition of Cyberknife- Radiation Oncology services at JPMC Karachi. This recognition by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) UK is a matter of great pride for the province of Sindh and Pakistan, as it signifies the acknowledgement of free cancer treatment facility provided through a public-private partnership between the Government of Sindh and the Patients Aid Foundation at JPMC Karachi.

The RCR was established in 1897 with the invention of X-ray radiation and the establishment of the Roentgen Society. It has the largest number of Fellows worldwide, serving as Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists.

Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Professor Emeritus, Radiation Oncology, JPMC, is the first Pakistani and first Muslim Professor in the world to receive this most prestigious award. He is also a recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for public service, the honorary rank of Surgeon Commander from the Chief of Naval Staff and holds an honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Edinburgh for his services in the field of Medicine.

Prof. Mahmood extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah and Minister of Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho for the donation of a new top-of-the-line Cyberknife S7 unit and to the donors of Patients Aid Foundation for another Tomotherapy X9 unit.”

Since 2012, JPMC has been the only center in the world to offer free treatment of cancer with Cyberknife and Tomotherapy, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. Up to now, patients from 15 countries and 167 cities in Pakistan have benefited from this free service. Globally, these expensive treatments cost millions of rupees.

The Radiation Oncology department at JPMC is equipped with two Cyberknife units, two Tomotherapy units, and Equinox 100, placing it among the top ten centers in the world for technology. These units provide highly precise treatments and can cure early-stage cancers of the prostate, brain, spine, lung, liver, head & neck, among others.

Read: Cancer rates set to rise 77 per cent by 2050

Furthermore, the Radiation Oncology section has been offering free PET-CT scans since 2017. To meet the growing demand, the department has launched new isotopes for prostate, brain, and cardiac scans and plans to conduct over 4000 free PET-CT scans in the next fiscal year.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed his appreciation for the recognition given to Cyberknife, a Radiation Oncology service at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi by the Royal College of Radiologists, United Kingdom.

He sees this award as a testament to the hard work and commitment of his government to the health sector as well as to the people of the province. (PR)

Related report: Cyberknife Treatment at JPMC: 2000 Cancer Patients on Waiting List

_________________

The post Royal College of Radiologists UK recognizes JPMC’s Cyberknife cancer treatment first appeared on Sindh Courier.