Pakistan Unveils Ambitious 10-Year National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan has launched an ambitious 10-year National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, aimed at capitalizing on its rich marine and inland resources. The policy, launched during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasizes sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction. The policy aims to address the sector's underdevelopment, with the fisheries contributing less than 0.5% to the national GDP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new policy prioritizes climate resilience, environmental protection, and the adoption of modern technologies to improve the sector's contribution to the national GDP.
  • The policy aims to generate up to $10 billion with improved management of the fisheries sector, as suggested by Syed Zaffar Ali Shah, Secretary of Maritime Affairs.
  • The policy addresses existing challenges such as overfishing and poor regulation, and aims to enhance seafood exports and fulfill international commitments.
  • The policy includes features such as fiscal incentives, ecosystem conservation, and women's empowerment, as detailed by FAO's Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal.
  • The policy must reflect the ecological and cultural diversity of each province, as stated by Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Animal Husbandry Commissioner.
  • Stakeholder involvement is crucial for the policy's success, particularly given the sector's climate sensitivity, as highlighted by Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal.

Statistics:

  • The fisheries sector currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national GDP.
  • The policy aims to generate up to $10 billion with improved management of the fisheries sector.
  • Balochistan's proactive approach in adopting sustainable practices has been praised by FAO Representative Florence Rolle.

Sources:

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative Florence Rolle
  • Syed Zaffar Ali Shah, Secretary of Maritime Affairs
  • Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Animal Husbandry Commissioner
  • Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, FAO
  • Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan