Karachi's 22-Year-Old Boat Builder

In the maritime town of Ibrahim Hyderi, on the outskirts of Karachi, traditional boat builders are keeping the city's fishing heritage alive. The area has been renowned for centuries for its expertise in constructing traditional fishing boats.

The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, which advocates for the local community, has been supporting the traditional boat-building practices in Ibrahim Hyderi. According to Mehran Ali Shah, a representative of the forum, the area is the birthplace of Karachi's fishing sector.

One of the boat builders, 22-year-old Muhammad Asif, learned the craft from his father as a teenager. Asif works six days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm, with a two-hour lunch break, and earns up to Rs2,500 a day. He is proud to be working on his own and is dedicated to his craft.

## Why it matters The traditional boat-building practices in Ibrahim Hyderi are significant because they have stood their ground despite the rise of industrial shipbuilding. The area's expertise in constructing traditional fishing boats has been passed down through generations, and craftsmen like Muhammad Asif are keeping the tradition alive. The continuation of these practices is crucial for preserving Karachi's fishing heritage and supporting the local community.

The boat builders in Ibrahim Hyderi are not just constructing vessels, but are also preserving a part of the city's history and culture. As the city's fishing sector continues to evolve, the traditional boat-building practices in Ibrahim Hyderi remain an essential part of Karachi's identity.