KARACHI: The skyrocketing prices of fuel and raw materials have dealt a severe blow to the traditional boat-building industry in Karachi, particularly in the historic coastal settlement of Ibrahim Hyderi.
Cost Escalation
According to local boat builders, the cost of constructing small and medium-sized vessels has seen a sharp hike. A standard launch that previously cost Rs. 500,000 has now surged to Rs. 700,000, while the construction cost for medium-sized launches has increased by Rs. 200,000, bringing the total to approximately Rs. 900,000.
The Craftsmanship and Materials
Karachi’s boat-building expertise is internationally renowned, with vessels frequently sought after in the UAE, Iran, and other regional countries. The “Wadas” (traditional shipwrights) utilize a variety of high-quality materials including premium Sheesham and Burma Teak, alongside Diyar, Partal, and “Billow” wood imported from Africa. Beyond structural integrity, these boats are famous for their aesthetic appeal, featuring vibrant colors and intricate hand-carved designs that showcase the unique skill of local artisans.
A Struggling Industry
Imtiaz Sabri, a prominent boat builder from Ibrahim Hyderi, expressed deep concern over the current economic wave, noting that building a new boat has become a financial nightmare for the fishing community. The industry caters to a wide range of vessels, starting from the Tukri (the smallest unit for 2 fishermen) and the Hori (for 5 crew members), up to the Donde and Hora which range from 10 to 24 feet. The largest vessels, known as Rach and Goja, can reach impressive lengths of 100 to 150 feet and are designed to store up to 100 tons of fish. With inflation hitting every sector, the heritage of Ibrahim Hyderi’s boat-building craft faces an uncertain future.
