The Sindh government has launched a new fuel subsidy programme aimed at providing financial relief to owners of small fishing boats across the province. Under the initiative, eligible fishermen will receive assistance ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000 through Sindh Bank, helping them cope with rising fuel costs and sustain their livelihoods.
The announcement was made by Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani during the third review meeting of the Provincial Fisheries Regulatory Task Force held in Karachi. The minister said the subsidy programme reflects the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the fishing community, which plays a vital role in Sindh’s economy and food supply chain.
To improve transparency and ensure that assistance reaches deserving beneficiaries, the government has made CNIC-based registration mandatory. No fisherman will be registered without a valid Computerised National Identity Card, reducing the possibility of irregularities and fraudulent claims.
In addition to the subsidy scheme, the government is introducing a one-window system for fishermen-related services. Through this initiative, fishermen will be connected with NADRA, while a barcode-based online mechanism will streamline licensing, boat registration, jetty registration, and other administrative procedures.
Minister Malkani also announced that inspections of fishing jetties would be conducted, and only those providing proper facilities to fishermen would qualify for registration. The move aims to improve service delivery and strengthen regulatory oversight within the fisheries sector.
The Provincial Fisheries Regulatory Task Force, established under government directives, is working jointly with civil and armed forces to identify and register genuine fishermen. Authorities stated that the initiative also addresses security concerns by helping prevent terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal arms smuggling, and other unlawful activities in coastal areas while safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime borders.
The subsidy programme is expected to provide much-needed support to thousands of fishermen struggling with increasing operational expenses and contribute to the sustainable development of Sindh’s fishing industry.
