Two key organizations representing the fishermen community have condemned the appointment of a retired army officer as general manager of Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) and termed it illegal and in violation of bylaws of the society.

Representatives of the two organizations said it appeared that “the FCS is now no longer a welfare organization of fishermen as it is being used by vested interests to promote their own self-interests by looting the resources of fishermen.”

Describing the appointment as illegal and in violation of FCS rules, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah said the appointment was neither essential nor in the interests of the society.

He accused the present FCS administration of promoting nepotism, favouritism and corruption in the society, saying that instead of working for the betterment of fishermen, it had turned into an instrument of exploitation of fishermen’s resources.

He claimed that the retired army official was related to MNA of the ruling coalition. He added that it was amazing that instead of taking corrective measures concerning the European Union (EU) ban on Pakistani seafood imports and facilitating fishermen, the chairman of the society had joined hands with vested interests in plundering the resources of fishermen community.

The Chairperson of Pakistan Mahigir Tehrik (PMT), Ms Zubeda Birwani condemned the appointment and said it was now evident that that the FCS was no longer a fishermen’s organization, as it was being controlled by politicians, government officials and now army officials.

She said after the EU ban, no positive role of the society was witnessed to bring about changes in the working of the harbour according to international standards. PMT chief considered the move as an attempt to usurp the resources of the fishermen community.

Pointing to various problems being faced by the community such as water shortage and lack of health and education facilities, she said the society had not played any role to mitigate the sufferings of oppressed fisherfolk.

She termed the appointment illegal as there was no such provision in the bylaws of the society, saying that the board of directors was the only competent authority to approve such an appointment.

This article is from The Dawn Newspaper in Pakistan and was sent by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum 

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