The fishermen community leaders at an event on Sunday demanded of the government to provide the Fishermen Card in return of their annual contribution of over four billion rupees in taxes.

This demand was made at Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum’s (PFF) 26th Foundation Day celebration held in Ibrahim Hydery area of Karachi. The event paid homage to PPF founders Muhammad Ali Shah and Tahir Ali Shah for dedicating their lives for the rights of fishermen.

Addressing the gathering, PFF Chairman Mehran Ali Shah lamented the dire situation faced by Pakistan’s fishermen, particularly in Sindh, where access to essentials like potable water, healthcare, education, and shelter remains elusive.

He underscored the fishermen’s overlooked status, despite their significant tax contributions, stressing their exclusion from recognition as vital contributors to Pakistan’s economy.

Mehran urged the government to acknowledge fishermen as significant stakeholders in Pakistan’s economy and prioritize their welfare accordingly.

He said that the plight of Pakistan’s fishermen underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to address their fundamental rights and mitigate environmental threats. Government action is indispensable in ensuring the well-being and livelihood security of this vital community.

He said that the genesis of PFF in 1998 stemmed from the prolonged detention of Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails, a plight that persists with over 70 fishermen still incarcerated without vocal advocacy.

The fishing community grapples with environmental challenges such as pollution and insufficient drinking water along the coastal belt, jeopardizing their livelihoods and the marine ecosystem, he added.

Yaseen Shah, a leader within PFF, advocated for the release of Indus River water into the sea as a vital measure to safeguard Sindh’s coastal communities. Despite the community’s consistent highlighting of these pressing issues, government responsiveness has been lacking, perpetuating the fishermen’s marginalization.

Another fishment community leader, Farhan Wagan, highlighted that the vast population of over four million fishermen along the coast was facing myriad challenges exacerbated by climate change. “Urgent government intervention is imperative to address their plight comprehensively and promptly,” he added.