KARACHI:
A sharp rise in fuel prices has significantly increased the cost of boat construction in coastal areas of Karachi, including Ibrahim Hyderi, putting additional financial pressure on the community.
According to local boat makers, the cost of building a standard fishing boat has increased from Rs 500,000 to Rs 700,000, while the cost of medium-sized boats has also increased by around Rs 200,000, taking their cost to around Rs 900,000. The increase is attributed not only to rising fuel prices but also to rising costs of lumber, iron, paint and other materials used in boat construction.
The coastal regions of Karachi are known for building a wide range of boats, from small ‘tikri’ boats to large boats like the 100-foot ‘rach’ and the 150-foot ‘goja’. Expensive and high-quality woods such as sheesham, Burmese teak, deodar, partal and imported African ‘balau’ are commonly used in its construction.
Pakistan’s traditional boat-building craft enjoys great international prestige, especially in the United Arab Emirates and Iran. The construction process begins by assembling the curved wooden base (pathan), beam-like structures (mehra) and the stern component (sukhan), after which the entire structure of the boat takes shape.
The coastal settlement of Ibrahim Hyderi presents a vibrant scene, where hundreds of fishing boats are anchored after returning from the depths of the sea or preparing to leave. Activities include net weaving, fueling, ice loading and minor repairs, as well as building new vessels and renovating old vessels. When finished, skilled craftsmen add intricate decorative paintings and designs.
However, this traditional industry is now under pressure. Local boat builders, known as ‘wada’, are very worried about inflation. Renowned boat maker Imtiaz Sabri said building new boats has become difficult for fishermen as costs of materials and equipment have increased enormously.
Kamal Shah, spokesperson for the Coastal Media Centre, noted 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 the long-term impacts on livelihoods and the sustainability of this traditional vessel.
It is worth noting that in the coastal centers of Karachi, including the Karachi Fishing Port, boats of various sizes are built, from small two-person boats to huge boats capable of catching and storing up to 100 tons of fish. Smaller boats like ‘tikri’ carry two fishermen, while ‘hori’ boats can accommodate five. The largest boats range from 10- to 12-foot ‘where’ boats to 16- to 24-foot launches, culminating in huge ‘rach’ and ‘goja’ boats that extend up to 100 and 150 feet, respectively.
