Pakistan unveils National Fisheries & Aquaculture Policy to unlock $10bn potential

July 10, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has launched its first-ever National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035, setting a unified national framework to develop a sector long seen as underutilised despite the country’s vast marine and inland water resources.

At a landmark consultation in Islamabad on Wednesday, the first time stakeholders from across the country gathered to shape a national roadmap for fisheries, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the policy as a “historic milestone” under the Prime Minister’s vision to build Pakistan’s blue economy.

“Despite our rich water resources, fisheries contribute less than 0.5% to GDP,” Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistan has so far captured limited value in both domestic and export markets.

The new policy seeks to change that by driving federal-provincial coordination, improving regulation, enhancing seafood exports, and meeting international obligations.

The wide-ranging strategy includes priorities such as climate resilience, environmental safeguards, child protection, gender inclusion, labour rights, and incentives for adopting modern technologies.

The minister called it an “evolving framework” whose success will rely on sustained commitment and collaboration across provinces.

Maritime Affairs Secretary Syed Zaffar Ali Shah noted that Pakistan’s long coastline has yet to realize its economic promise due to issues like overfishing and inadequate oversight.

“With better management and value addition, this sector can generate up to $10 billion,” he said.

Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, underscored the importance of aligning provincial and federal efforts, highlighting Balochistan’s proactive role in crafting its fisheries policy.

She also pointed to opportunities to tap into global climate finance by promoting sustainable practices.

The policy emerged from an extensive process, starting with provincial consultations and inclusive seminars across Pakistan.

FAO’s Senior Policy Specialist Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal explained that the strategy centers on responsible resource management, ecosystem conservation, fiscal incentives, and social pillars like women’s empowerment and safe workplaces.

Industry leaders and community representatives from Gwadar and Sindh joined academics and officials at the consultation, with discussions spanning governance, aquaculture development, and an implementation framework designed to ensure long-term resilience.

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