Speakers emphasised the urgent need to recognise and harness the untapped potential of marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture to promote food security, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable economic growth in Pakistan. They were addressing a workshop here on Wednesday, organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), focused on shaping the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035.
Addressing the event, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry noted that despite Pakistan’s rich marine and inland water resources, the fisheries and aquaculture sector has long remained underdeveloped and underutilized.
He pointed out that the sector currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national GDP and captures limited value from both domestic and export markets.
The minister stressed that one of the key priorities of the new policy is fostering federal-provincial harmonization. He emphasized that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs will continue to lead on critical national issues, including fulfilling international obligations and enhancing seafood exports.
The policy also focuses on cross-cutting priorities such as climate resilience, environmental protection, child safety, gender inclusion, labour rights, and the adoption of modern technologies, he added.
The Minister described the policy as a foundational and evolving framework whose success depends on sustained commitment, effective coordination, and active engagement from all stakeholders across the country.
He said this policy represents a major milestone for not just the ministry but for all institutions, communities, and stakeholders committed to the future of Pakistan’s blue economy.
Secretary of Maritime Affairs, Syed Zaffar Ali Shah stated that despite Pakistan’s long coastline, the fisheries sector has not yet achieved its potential. It remains a vital source of livelihood but faces serious issues like overfishing and poor regulation. He noted that the newly introduced national policy aims to resolve these challenges through coordinated planning. With better management and value addition, the sector could generate up to $10 billion in value.
Florence Rolle, FAO Representative, emphasised the importance of effective coordination between provincial and federal governments, as well as across various sectors. She highlighted that inclusive seminars were conducted nationwide, helping shape the policy.
Rolle praised Balochistan’s proactive development of its fisheries policy and noted that sustainable practices could attract international climate funding.
Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Animal Husbandry Commissioner from the Ministry of National Food Security, emphasised that the final policy must be both ambitious and feasible. He stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement, particularly since fisheries are often overlooked and highly climate-sensitive. The policy, he added, must reflect the diverse ecological and cultural characteristics of each province.
FAO’s Senior Policy Specialist, Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, explained the policy’s main features, including fiscal incentives, ecosystem conservation, women’s empowerment, safe working environments, entrepreneurship, job creation for them, and pollution control.
Dr. Iqbal described the inclusive, step-by-step development process of the national policy, beginning with provincial consultations. He stressed that responsible resource management and effective governance are at the heart of the strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in the fisheries sector.
The workshop featured several panel discussions, including sessions on governance and incentives for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, strategies for the development and management of aquaculture in Pakistan, and the implementation framework and cross-cutting themes of the national policy.
Younas Anwar from Mahigir Itehad Gwadar, Nasir Rahim Sohrabi of RCDC Gwadar, and Syed Daim Shah, President of the Aquaculture Farmers Association, also spoke at the event, which was attended by representatives from the fisheries industry of Balochistan and Sindh, along with members of academia and policymakers.
