Karachi, In a concerted effort to address the immediate concerns of local fishermen and improve the broader fishing industry, Syed Najmi Alam, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Livestock, Fisheries, and Human Settlement, chaired a key meeting on Wednesday with officials from the Karachi Fisheries Harbor Authority and the Fishermen Cooperative Society.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting focused on critical issues facing the fishing community, including the incarceration of 166 fishermen in India and the ban on fish exports to the European Union. Alam informed the attendees that his office would coordinate with the Sindh Home Department and appeal to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in the release of the detained fishermen.

Another significant concern discussed was the lifting of the EU’s ban on fish exports from the region. Alam outlined a six-month plan aimed at reversing the export ban to bolster the national economy and directly benefit local fishermen. He emphasized the urgency of protecting local fishermen from potential economic hardship during the fishing ban period and stated that both provincial and federal governments would be approached for support.

Furthermore, Alam directed the Fishermen Cooperative Society to ensure all fishermen are registered with the Sindh Government. He underscored the necessity of meeting all set goals within the next six months to enhance the conditions of all stakeholders in the fishing industry.