Fisherfolk hold rallies in Pakistan, Karachi: In a joint move to work together, fishermen from Pakistan and India took out rallies on Wednesday in Karachi and Porbandar, Gujrat of India, against the detention of fishermen by both the neighbouring governments. This joint initiative by the fishermen of two sides was taken to sensitise both the governments to look into the matter as poor fish workers always become victims of this tit-for-tat.

Information received by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) in Karachi from Porbandar, India, reveals that National Fishworkers Forum, Boat Owners Association, Porbander and World Forum of Fisher People, Indian chapter took out a big rally jointly in the port city in India, demanding safe release of fishermen languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails.

Similarly, a large number of fisherwomen, mostly relatives of those detained fishermen in Indian jails joined a rally organised by the PFF, demanding the government to use diplomatic channels to ensure safe release of poor workers.

Carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans to release poor fishermen, the protestors were chanting slogans condemning the Pakistani government for their ignorance of the issue of human rights violation.

PFF chairperson Mohammed Ali Shah while addressing the rally, said the issue of detaining fishermen should be resolved at major forums like SAARC, adding that in the forthcoming SAARC countries moot being held in Bhutan, this issue should be taken on priority basis. He urged the SAARC countries to find permanent solution of the issue of crossing sea territory.

There is no update information about the 17 missing fishermenó11 from Bhit Island, Karachi and six others went missing recently from Delta- who left their villages for a catch but could not return home. Parents of these missing people are still waiting to receive any news about their reappearance. Apart from this, relatives of nine boat crews from Rehri are waiting to receive their loved ones who have been in Indian jails for the last 15 years. The PFF spokesman said the issue of arresting poor fishermen from marine water by the security forces of India and Pakistan has panicked the community on both sides of border and they feel their lives are at stake.

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