ISLAMABAD:
Experts have 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.
They were speaking at a workshop on Wednesday, organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and 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 underutilised. He pointed out that the sector currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national gross domestic product (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 to foster federal-provincial harmonisation, adding 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.
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. He said the 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.
Maritime Affairs Secretary 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 can generate up to $10 billion.
FAO Representative Florence Rolle stressed the need for strong coordination between provincial and federal governments and across sectors. She highlighted that inclusive seminars were conducted nationwide to help shape the policy. Ministry of National Food Security’s Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi emphasised that the final policy must be both ambitious and feasible. He underlined the importance of stakeholder involvement, especially since fisheries are often neglected 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 empowerment, entrepreneurship and pollution control.
