ISLAMABAD, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has launched a 10-year National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2025-2035) to harness the untapped potential of its marine and inland water resources and promote sustainable economic growth, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said on Wednesday.
Addressing a national workshop organized by the ministry here, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that the policy aims to improve federal-provincial coordination, fulfill 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 percent 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 10 billion U.S. dollars in value through better management and value addition.
Representatives from the fisheries sector of Balochistan and Sindh, civil society organizations, academia, and policymakers participated in the event. ■