Karachi Fish Harbour Challenges and Sindh Government Response

Karachi Fish Harbour is a major hub for the fishing industry in Pakistan, but it faces several challenges. The harbour's infrastructure is outdated and in need of repair.

The harbour's location on the Arabian Sea makes it prone to flooding, which can damage boats and equipment. This has resulted in significant losses for fishermen and the local economy.

The Sindh government has taken steps to address these challenges. The government has launched a project to upgrade the harbour's infrastructure, including the construction of new berths and the repair of existing ones.

Karachi Fish Harbour is located on the Arabian Sea, in the southern part of the city of Karachi, Pakistan.

It's situated near the mouth of the Lyari River, which adds to its unique geographical features.

The harbour has a long history, dating back to the British colonial era, when it was a major fishing port.

The harbour in Karachi is divided into two main sections: the Upper Harbour and the Lower Harbour. These two sections together stretch for 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi).

The Upper Harbour has been developed into the Port of Karachi. It's located between the East and West Wharfs of the port.

The Upper Harbour then flows eastward to form a series of backwaters with thick mangrove forests known as Chinna Creek. This area is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Along the western edge of the West Wharf is a small local fishing harbour known as the Karachi Fish Harbour. This harbour was built in 1958.

The Lower Harbour, also known as Baba Channel, stretches from Manora and Keamari to the port. It serves as a shipping channel between the port and the Arabian Sea.

The location has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was first settled by European colonizers who were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

The early settlers established a thriving agricultural community, with many farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco. This laid the foundation for the region's future growth and development.

By the mid-19th century, the location had grown into a small town, with a population of around 1,000 residents. The town's economy was driven by agriculture, with many residents working on local farms or in related industries.

The town's population continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the arrival of new industries such as manufacturing and mining. This brought new opportunities for employment and helped to establish the location as a major commercial center.

The Karachi Fish Harbour has faced several regulatory challenges over the years. The harbour's lack of proper waste management infrastructure has led to severe environmental concerns.

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has been trying to address these issues, but their efforts have been hindered by inadequate funding and resources.

The harbour's proximity to the city's main water supply has also raised health concerns, with the potential for water pollution posing a significant risk to the local population.

The Karachi Fish Harbour is undergoing a significant overhaul to prepare for an upcoming audit by the European Union (EU) in the first week of April.

The audit will assess the facilities of fishery exporters shipping products to EU countries, focusing on compliance with European Commission regulations.

Multiple government agencies are working together to meet EU standards, as emphasized by Zahid Khemtio, Managing Director of the Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA).

The Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) has issued letters to stakeholders, expressing dissatisfaction over poor sanitation conditions at Karachi Fish Harbour, including serious deficiencies at landing sites and auction halls.

The MFD has instructed the KFHA and the Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited (FCSL) to improve facilities, including fishing boats and auction areas that handle fishery products intended for EU exports.

Exporters are well-prepared for the EU audit, with Mohammad Zafar Iqbal Kundi, chairman of the Pakistan Fishery Exporters Association (PFEA), assuring that processing units and exporters are ready.

The upcoming audit will review both the already approved units and those seeking approval, with four exporters currently permitted to export fishery products to the EU, and three additional exporters having submitted applications for approval.

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The Sindh government has taken a crucial step towards addressing the long-standing issues at Karachi Fish Harbor. They have ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Despite the passage of over ten years, the project for the expansion, construction, and improvement of Karachi Fish Harbor has not been completed. The provincial government has finally taken action to hold those responsible accountable.

The Sindh government directed the Department of Planning and Development to conduct an inquiry into the issue on June 19, 2023. This move is a clear indication that they are serious about getting to the bottom of the matter.

The inquiry is a response to the slow progress made on the project, which was initiated in 2007. The Sindh government had approved a development scheme of Rs 550 million in the same year, but the project has yet to be completed.

The Department of Planning and Development has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. This includes reviewing the work done so far and identifying the reasons for the delay.

The monitoring team of the Planning and Development Department has already expressed strong objections to the work done, describing it as inadequate. They have recommended the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee for a detailed probe.

The inquiry will also look into the reasons behind the excessive pollution in the Fish Harbor area. This is a severe threat to marine life, and it's essential that the government takes concrete steps to address it.

The project's completion is crucial for the seafood export industry, which has been affected by the EU's ban on Pakistani seafood exports. The government must now ensure that the inquiry is conducted efficiently and that the project is completed as soon as possible.