The Sindh Fisheries Department has registered 7,275 fishermen and 8,253 fishing boats, officials said on Tuesday.
The figures were shared during a meeting of the Provincial Fisheries Regulatory Task Force held at the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority, where key decisions were taken to develop modern facilities for the fishing industry and enforce stricter conditions for jetty registration.
Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani, who chaired the meeting, said that only CNIC holders would be eligible for registration. “No individual without a valid identity card will be registered,” he stated.
He added that the government aims to provide facilities to the fishing community through a one-window operation to streamline services and improve efficiency. The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock and Fisheries Asif Khan, Secretary Livestock and Fisheries Dr Kazim Husain Jatoi, Chairperson Fishermen Cooperative Society Fatima Majeed, Director General Marine Fisheries Department Dr Mansoor Wassan, Managing Director Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority Zahid Hussain Khemtio, Director General Sindh Marine Fisheries Dr Asim Karim, and senior officials from the Pakistan Coast Guard, Maritime Security Agency, and Sindh Police.
During the briefing, officials informed the minister that, following the enforcement of laws against illegal fishing, fines amounting to Rs3.5 million had been collected so far. The minister was also informed that two applicants had submitted complete documentation for jetty registration. He directed that registration would only be granted to those who ensure provision of all necessary facilities for fishermen at jetties. Malkani emphasised that all registered resources and facilities should benefit genuine fishermen, enabling them to improve their livelihoods.
