Karachi: The encroachment of freshwater lakes in Sindh by private individuals has been formally reported to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. These issues were raised during a meeting between Syed Najmi Alam, Advisor to CM Sindh on Livestock and Fisheries, and a delegation of fishermen led by Pakistan Fisherfolk Chairman Mehran Ali Shah. The delegation reported that influential locals have seized water bodies in the Kakahu area and Chotiari Dam in Sanghar, displacing local fishermen, while the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) project in Badin has flooded fertile lands and destroyed fish habitats.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, Advisor Alam disclosed these concerns during discussions, which included insights on the impact of these encroachments on local communities. The delegation of Pakistan Fisherfolk voiced distress over the takeover of regional waters, which has led to severe repercussions for local fishermen. The discussion highlighted extensive damage in Badin district, where the LBOD has again inundated millions of acres, decimating fish stocks and submerging agricultural land.

During the meeting, Zulfiqar Ali Larak, Director General of Sindh Inland Fisheries, was tasked by Advisor Alam to coordinate with district authorities to address these urgent issues and ensure documentation and action are prioritized. The advisor emphasized the commitment of the Sindh government to defend the rights of fishermen and acknowledged plans to advocate for their recognition as laborers in collaboration with the federal government. He criticized the MQM for using fishermen’s plight for political gain, contrasting it with his government’s proactive approach under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.