KARACHI:
A sharp rise in fuel prices has significantly increased the cost of boat building in the coastal areas of Karachi, including Ibrahim Hyderi, putting further financial pressure on the community.
According to local boat makers, the cost of constructing a standard fish launch has increased from Rs 500,000 to Rs 700,000, while the cost of medium-sized boats has increased by around Rs 200,000, pushing their cost close to Rs 900,000. The increase is attributed not only to higher fuel prices, but also to the rising costs of wood, iron, paint and other materials used in boat building.
Karachi’s coastal areas are known for building a wide variety of vessels – from small ‘tikri’ boats to large launches such as the 100-foot ‘rach’ and 150-foot ‘goja’. High quality and expensive woods like sheesham, Burma teak, deodar, partially and imported African ‘balau’ are commonly used in their construction.
Pakistan’s traditional boat building craft is highly respected internationally, especially in the UAE and Iran. The construction process begins with assembling the curved base wood (pathan), beam-like structures (mehra) and the stern component (sukhan), after which the full structure of the boat takes shape.
The coastal settlement of Ibrahim Hyderi presents a vibrant scene where hundreds of fishing boats either anchor after returning from the deep sea or prepare to depart. Activities include net weaving, fueling, ice loading and minor repairs, alongside construction of new boats and refurbishment of old ones. Skilled craftsmen add intricate paint and decorative designs after completion.
But this traditional industry is now under pressure. Local boat builders – known as ‘wada’ – are very worried about inflation. Noted boat maker Imtiaz Sabri said that it has become difficult for fishermen to build new boats as the cost of materials and equipment has increased tremendously.
Kamal Shah, spokesman for the Coastal Media Center, highlighted that fishermen are already struggling with increased operating costs, including fuel and ice for fishing trips ranging from daily to monthly expeditions. Now that boat building is becoming more expensive, many are reluctant to invest in new vessels – raising concerns about long-term impacts on livelihoods and the sustainability of this traditional craft.
It is worth noting that at Karachi’s coastal hubs, including the Karachi Fish Harbour, boats of various sizes are being built – from small two-man craft to massive launches capable of catching and storing up to 100 tonnes of fish. Smaller boats like ‘tikri’ have two fishermen, while ‘hori’ boats can accommodate up to five. Larger vessels range from 10-12 foot ‘donde’ boats to 16-24 foot launches, culminating in massive ‘rach’ and ‘goja’ boats that stretch up to 100 and 150 feet respectively.
