The fishing communities in Sindh live alongside lakes, rivers and the sea coast. These communities have been engaged in fishing for centuries. There are two distinct types of fishing practices in Sindh: inland fishing (rivers and lakes) and coastal fishing. More than five million fisher people suffer from historical discrimination. Prior to the colonial period, they were treated as low caste and marginalised communities. However, they were independent and free to earn their living from fishing, transportation, boat construction and net making.

Fishing is one of the oldest occupations for people living near lakes, rivers and seas. Fishermen and water have a deep relationship with each other that has evolved over centuries. Water created land and human settlements. Ancient civilisations had begun along water edges and coastlines. Hence the relationship between fishermen and water is as old as civilisation.

History provides evidence of the influence proximity to water bodies has had on the growth of civilisations. The fishermen had played important roles in ancient civilisations of Egypt and Indus. Fishing has been a means of obtaining food since the mesolithic period and ancient Egyptians. Fishermen provided most of the food for Egyptians. Fishing was a major means of survival as well as a business venture.

Fishermen also played important roles in navigation in rivers and on seas. They provided transportation to people and food in different areas of Sindh and outside. Fisher folk’s essential role is mentioned in the poetry of Sindhi Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, considered the greatest poet of the Sindhi language. He mentions fisher folk in his Sur Samudi and Sur Ghatu.

Fishing is an occupation like farming or carpentry. People of different castes and tribes are involved in these occupations. Castes like Mohana and Machi Waro have been historically associated with fishing. Unfortunately, the fisher folk have faced discrimination despite their role as food providers to the society.

The British had a different agenda when it came to developing the city. They needed land for the port and railway. Most of this land was owned by the fisher folk. So, the authorities decided to shift the fisher folk from the main city. According to the local community, the fisher folk tried their best to resist the authorities.

Sea life is an entirely different experience. The sailors have to be prepared to face extreme weather. Most fisherwomen are proud of their identity.

Mai Rahima, 90, tells TNS that she belongs to an Ameerul Beher family. “I am proud of my community who understand the language of sea and wind. We understand the whispers of fish. We know the ways of the sea and make sure that people reach their respective destinations.”

Fisherman Muhammad Yousuf, 70, said Talpurs had imposed taxes on sea produce. “The fishermen of Sindh at that time strongly protested and did not accept it. A delegation from Machi Miani (present day Ibrahim Hyderi) met with Mir Sahib and told him that they were the Kings of the Sea. They had been associated with the sea for generations. We have historical rights to sea produce. They refused to pay any tax to the government. Some of the fisher families then migrated to Makran coast and established Ormara. Eventually, the Talpur ruler had to abolish the tax,” he said.

In 1850, the British government started developing Karachi as a coastal city. At that time, most of the fishermen used to live in Kharadar and Meethadar areas. Their social standing was higher than it is today and most of them either lived in havelis or maris built using mud and stone. The Nakhwa Mosque was built at that time by the fishing community.

However, the British had their own agenda when it came to developing the city. They needed land for the port and railway. Most of the land was then owned by the fisher folk. So, the authorities decided to shift the fisher folk from the main city. According to the local community, the fisher folk tried their best to resist the authorities. Umer Jamote, a popular anti-British community leader, published the Nakhuda newspaper to demand rights for fishermen in 1940.

Recently several fishing grounds have been destroyed due to the construction of marina clubs and housing societies. These developments are a major reason behind the decline in marine life and livelihood. There is a need for high level participation by fisher folk in the management of marine resources. Given their relatively small numbers, successful advocacy by fisher folk will require strategic local alliances. Fisher folk all over the world have very similar issues to those faced in Pakistan. There is a strong need for local fisher folk to learn campaign tactics and to gain international support for their campaigns. Even more important will be alliances with fisher folk organisations in South Asia.