Harnessing Pakistan's Untapped Marine and Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Potential

Strategic Insights -

Experts emphasize the need to tap into Pakistan's marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture potential to promote food security, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable economic growth. A workshop organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has highlighted the importance of shaping the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035. The policy aims to foster federal-provincial harmonisation, address climate resilience, environmental protection, and labor rights, and enhance seafood exports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Pakistan currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and captures limited value from domestic and export markets.
  • The sector has the potential to generate up to $10 billion through better management and value addition.
  • The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035 aims to foster federal-provincial harmonisation, address cross-cutting priorities such as climate resilience and environmental protection.
  • The policy focuses on inclusive and coordinated planning, with stakeholder involvement and reflects the diverse ecological and cultural characteristics of each province.
  • The policy includes fiscal incentives, ecosystem conservation, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, and pollution control.
  • The Ministry of Maritime Affairs will lead on critical national issues, including fulfilling international obligations and enhancing seafood exports.

Statistics:

  • The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes less than 0.5% to Pakistan's national GDP.
  • The sector has the potential to generate up to $10 billion through better management and value addition.
  • Nationwide seminars were conducted to shape the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Maritime Affairs
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
  • Ministry of National Food Security's Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi
  • FAO's Senior Policy Specialist Dr Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal