Pakistan launched a 10year national fisheries and aquaculture policy to revitalize its underutilized blue economy, aiming to enhance food security, alleviate poverty, and stimulate sustainable economic expansion. The unveiling took place at a workshop organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focusing on the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, acknowledged the sector”s untapped potential, noting its meager 0.5% contribution to the national GDP. He emphasized the policy”s focus on federalprovincial collaboration, international obligations, seafood exports, climate resilience, environmental safeguards, social inclusivity, labor rights, and technological advancements.

The minister described the policy as a dynamic framework requiring continuous commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders. Secretary of Maritime Affairs, Syed Zaffar Ali Shah, highlighted the sector”s unrealized potential despite Pakistan”s extensive coastline. He noted that the program addresses challenges like overfishing and inadequate oversight, aiming to increase the sector”s value to $10 billion.

FAO Representative, Florence Rolle, stressed intergovernmental and intersectoral coordination. She commended Balochistan’s progressive fisheries policy and highlighted the potential to attract international climate funding. Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, from the Ministry of National Food Security, emphasized the need for an ambitious yet practical policy that reflects each province”s unique characteristics.

FAO’s Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal detailed the policy’s features, including financial incentives, ecosystem preservation, women”s empowerment, worker safety, entrepreneurship, job creation, and pollution control. He described the inclusive, phased development process, emphasizing responsible resource management and effective governance.

The workshop included panel discussions on governance, incentives, aquaculture development strategies, policy implementation, and crosscutting themes. Representatives from the fisheries sector in Balochistan and Sindh, academics, and policymakers attended the event, including speakers from Mahigir Itehad Gwadar, RCDC Gwadar, and the Aquaculture Farmers Association.