Pakistan Unveils National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy to Boost Food Security and Economic Growth

Strategic Insights -

A high-level workshop in Islamabad emphasized the urgent need to harness the potential of marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture to address food security, poverty, and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan. The gathering, organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aimed to shape the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035.

The policy focuses on fostering federal-provincial harmonization, climate resilience, environmental protection, child safety, gender inclusion, labor rights, and the adoption of modern technologies. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs aims to lead on critical national issues, including fulfilling international obligations and enhancing seafood exports.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's fisheries and aquaculture sector currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national GDP and captures limited value from both domestic and export markets.
  • The new national policy aims to foster federal-provincial harmonization and resolve challenges like overfishing and poor regulation.
  • The policy has the potential to generate up to $10 billion in value with better management and value addition.
  • Inclusive seminars were conducted nationwide to help shape the policy, with Balochistan's proactive development of its fisheries policy being a notable example.
  • The policy must be both ambitious and feasible, reflecting the diverse ecological and cultural characteristics of each province.
  • The national policy includes fiscal incentives, ecosystem conservation, women's empowerment, safe working environments, entrepreneurship, job creation, and pollution control.

Statistics:

  • The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Pakistan currently contributes less than 0.5% to the national GDP.
  • The new national policy aims to generate up to $10 billion in value with better management and value addition.
  • The sector faces serious issues like overfishing and poor regulation.
  • The Ministry of Maritime Affairs will lead on critical national issues, including fulfilling international obligations and enhancing seafood exports.

Sources:

  • Government of Pakistan, Press Information Department
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)