Conflict between Iran and Israel Affects Pakistani Fishing Communities

Balochistan, a region known for its vast coastline along the Arabian Sea, is currently facing a significant crisis in its fishing industry. The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted the inflow of essential fuel for boats and the export of fish products, leaving fishing boats stranded ashore and causing a halt in income for fishing families[1][3].

Lateefa Nasir, a member and beneficiary of the Ormara Cooperative Society, is one of the many individuals affected by this crisis. She lives in Ormara, a town in Gwadar district, along the coast of Pakistan's south-western Balochistan province, with her fisher husband[4]. The lack of income due to the halted fishing activities has made it difficult for them to send their children to school and forced them to live on loans[1][3].

The closure of the border with Iran has led to a surge in fuel prices, making it expensive for fishers to go to sea and sell their catch. Jumait Jangir Baloch, a fisher and certified fish trader in Gwadar, mentions that the prices offered by local traders are now half of what they used to receive from Iranian buyers[2]. This has led to a serious threat to household income and economic stability for tens of thousands who depend on fishing along Balochistan’s roughly 770 km coastline[1][3].

The disruption in fishing not only affects incomes but limits local availability of fish, a key protein source for coastal communities and beyond. The halting of fish exports disrupts the supply chain, further exacerbating food access issues in the area[1][3]. Women like Haleema Baloch, who grade, dry, and sell fish in Gwadar, are losing their wages due to the crisis[1].

Women in fish processing are facing wage cuts, and small vendors can't find cheap fish to sell. Talib Katchi from the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum states that communities are losing both sustenance and money due to the crisis[1]. Despite its significant contribution, the fisheries sector in Balochistan remains poorly regulated, underfunded, and deeply exposed to external shocks[5].

Kalmati, from the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, calls for swift intervention from federal and provincial governments with fuel subsidies and reopening the border for properly regulated trade[6]. Provincial official Kakkar has submitted a proposal for a PKR 380 million (US$1.34 million) endowment fund to support emergency fuel subsidies, welfare schemes, and compensation for affected fishermen[7].

Rasheed, from the Balochistan Rural Support Programme, suggests that modern infrastructure could help transform Balochistan's fishing industry into a lucrative export sector, reducing dependency on bartering and boosting the economy[1]. However, the immediate challenge is to address the current crisis and provide support to the affected communities.

In summary, the Iran-Israel conflict’s regional consequences have triggered a significant crisis for Balochistan’s fishing communities by cutting off fuel and export routes, leading to unemployment, food insecurity, school dropout among children, and increased debt, with women in fishing households also facing adverse socioeconomic effects[1][3].

[1] The News International [2] Dawn [3] The Express Tribune [4] The Balochistan Point [5] The Express Tribune [6] The Balochistan Point [7] The News International

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