Fishermen on Saturday protested against the 'occupation' of fresh water sources across Sindh, asking the government to implement the law to protect their living. They were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans for the rights of fishermen. A large number of women and children, who came to demonstrate with their male community members, shouted against the 'injustice'.
The demonstration was organized by the Pakistan Fisher folk Forum outside Karachi Press Club demanded of the Sindh government for freeing the natural pools and rivers from the contractual fishing that the influential people of the province are holding, forcefully.
The protesters also shouted for removal of Sindh Fisheries Minister, Muhammad Ali Malkani from his post, saying that the government should free over 300 water sources immediately. The police should also play its role to help the fishermen acquire their share of catch.
They blamed the minister for helping a local landlord seize a lake in district Sajawal. They said that the landlord, who enjoys great influence, get FIR registered against the fishermen on fake charges. They asked the IG Sindh to take notice of his police officials' excesses against the poor fishermen.