Pakistan Navy provides safe route to border area fishermen

KARACHI, Feb 8: A 1.5km long and 25meter wide canal dug by Pakistan Navy through its indigenous resources to join Sughando and Othano rivers in border area of Sindh Province was formally inaugurated on Wednesday. It will obviate problems faced by fishermen in area and facilitate to freely operate avoiding any violation of geographical boundaries.
At ceremony held in forward creeks area, Sindh Information and Electric Power Minister Shazia Marri was chief guest who on arrival was received by Coastal Commander Rear Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi. Before canal linked two waterways, fishermen used to sail through Lakki river route to reach Othano River for fish catch. Enroute at places, due to absence of any physical demarcation signs, they used to cross unmarked boundary line. Incidents had been reported where Pakistani fishermen were fired upon and apprehended by Indian Border Security Agencies.
With this canal, commuters in area would now have a direct and safe approach to fishing area. Area is regularly patrolled by Pak Marines operating through Jati Post located some 30km north west of the canal.
Shazia Marri applauded Pakistan Navy efforts to help native fishermen. Despite extreme climatic conditions and rough terrain, Pak Marines are positioned in area to guard frontiers and provide security cover to fishermen. A significant number of Pakistani fishermen are still under arrest on other side of border for unintentional jumping over territorial line marked only on papers.
She said canal would help prevent such incidents and bring relief to local populace. She also commended relief, rescue efforts of Pakistan Navy during recent floods in Sindh.
Earlier in briefing, Commander Marines said due to marshy land and creeks, earth moving equipment and heavy machinery could not be moved to the area and entire project was completed manually by PN manpower. Canal is of great significance as area is rich in marine resources. Approximately 150 fishing vessels would use canal monthly making a significant contribution to economy.