Restructuring of BFO has become essential because the harsh law costs the fishermen dearly if caught in its violation near the exclusive fishing field of the respective province. Fisheries expert informed that the fishermen have warned the government of launching an indefinite strike if the ordinance’s rules those damage their interests were not trimmed.
In a meeting held in Karachi the local fishermen set forth the amendment proposal. Sindh Secretary Fisheries, Laiq Memon, Secretary Balochistan Fisheries Rohail Baloch, DG Marine Fisheries Department, Moazam Khan, MD Karachi Fish Harbor Authority, Ijaz Mangi, President Bona Fide Fishermen and Boat Owners Welfare Association, Asif Bhatti, representatives of Sindh Trawlers Owners and Fishermen Association, Arsala Khan Niazi and Sarwar Siddiqui, Administrator of Fishermen Co-operative Society, Muhammad Jaffer Khawaja and head of Sindh Mahigeer Itihad, Abuzar Marviwala attended the meeting.
Sources revealed that the fishermen and boat owners say that the ordinance, which probably the former President Ayub Khan (late) had promulgated, has several damaging rules for the Karachi bound seafarers. There were recent killing of local fisherman in Balochistan’s water which stirs commotion among fishermen and this has result in the ordinance. This ordinance will allow the authorities there to even resort to gunfire at anyone whether knowingly or mistakenly entered the specific waters.
