The festival attracted fishermen, rural residents, urban visitors, and political, social, literary, and business figures. Cultural programmes included handicraft stalls, fishing equipment displays, boat models, and demonstrations of local skills.
Chairman Mehran Ali Shah emphasised that fishermen still lack fundamental rights and government recognition, denying them labour benefits. He criticised the continued imprisonment of Pakistani fishermen in India despite Article 73 protections, urging immediate release and government accountability.
Representatives of Viva Welfare Foundation highlighted ongoing initiatives for education, social awareness, poverty alleviation, nutrition, and clean water supply in coastal communities. Provincial leaders praised efforts to safeguard employment through the Benazir Bhutto Card programme and ongoing support for fishermen’s welfare.
Fisherfolk Forum officials underscored persistent challenges, including health, education, nutrition, lack of clean water, and safety risks at sea due to inadequate maritime boundary enforcement.
The festival combined cultural performances, storytelling, poetry, traditional dances, and handicrafts to raise public awareness about fishermen’s struggles.