Sindh minister of livestock and fishing Muhammad Ali Malkani has said that the provincial government is taking all the necessary steps to increase the export of seafood and is in contact with the federal government in this regard.

In a speech during the questioning time in the Sindh assembly on Tuesday, Malkani responded to various written and supplementary questions from the members. He informed the Assembly that there are several hatchery in Sindh for fish farming where seeds were sown. “We release fish seeds in rivers at government level.” He said that efforts are being made to meet the standards set by the European Union to lift the ban on exports of seafood, especially for shrimp and fish.

Malkani said that those who created factories for fishing exports are given help, but no subsidies are given.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon requested Vice President Naveed Anthony to tackle the question of some members who asked irrelevant questions. MEMON noted that there are existing rules for asking questions in a member’s absence.

MQMS Dr. Fauzia Hameed referred to the regrettable state of the fishermen’s colonies and urged the government to take notice. Aijaz Haq also pointed out that the poor fishermen’s boats are sinking and the government does not provide any facilities to help them. Abdul Waseem from MQM asked about the legal actions taken against those who use banned yarn for fishing.

In response, Muhammad Ali Malkani said that while action is being taken, the department lacks sufficient resources. He also acknowledged the absence of cold storage facilities, but assured that the department will help the fishermen in this regard. UPTED in collaboration with community -based organizations.

Meanwhile, parliamentary journalists made their votes heard in the assembly and protested against the law on the prevention of electronic crimes (PECA) and demanded its withdrawal.