July 11, 2025

Pakistan launches 10-year national fisheries, aquaculture policy to strengthen blue economy

Pakistan has introduced a 10-year National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2025-2035) to utilise the untapped potential of its marine and inland water resources and support sustainable economic development, the country's Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced on Wednesday, July 9.

Addressing a national workshop organized by the ministry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that the policy aims to improve federal-provincial coordination, fulfil international obligations, and enhance seafood exports while ensuring environmental protection, climate resilience, gender inclusion, child safety, and the use of modern technologies.

"This policy is a major milestone for all institutions and communities committed to the future of Pakistan's blue economy," Chaudhry said, calling for sustained engagement from stakeholders across the country.

Chaudhry said that despite Pakistan's rich water resources, the fisheries and aquaculture sector remains underdeveloped and contributes less than 0.5 % to the country's GDP.

He noted that the fisheries sector, despite being a critical livelihood source, faces significant challenges such as overfishing and weak regulatory frameworks, and the new policy could help generate up to US$10 billion dollars in value through better management and value addition.

Representatives from the fisheries sector of Balochistan and Sindh, civil society organisations, academia, and policymakers participated in the event.

-      Xinhua News Agency