‘Export policy to be launched soon’

Islamabad : Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said that a comprehensive National Fisheries Policy will soon be introduced in consultation with all stakeholders to boost exports and investment.

The announcement was made during a detailed briefing session with Fisheries Development Commissioner Mian Aftab Ali who presented an overview of Marine Fisheries Department to the Federal Minister here Friday. The meeting underscored the Ministry’s renewed commitment to revitalising and modernising Pakistan’s marine economy. Mr Chaudhry emphasised that a series of consultative workshops will be held in Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore culminating in a final national workshop in Islamabad this June. The policy, he said, will serve as a roadmap for sustainable development, increased exports and international investment in the fisheries sector. He added that the government is taking a proactive approach to integrate industry feedback and ensure alignment with global environmental and economic standards.

One of the key initiatives highlighted in the meeting was a $3 million project supported by Global Environment Fund, aimed at controlling marine pollution and protect Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems. The project will focus on protecting Pakistan’s marine biodiversity and promoting eco-friendly fishing practices. “Preserving our marine environment is critical to long-term sustainability,” said the Minister. He also announced plans to revitalise the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority, an institution central to regulating and supporting the local fishing industry. Korangi remains the backbone of Pakistan’s marine sector and by revitalising its fisheries authority, we aim to improve governance, compliance and export capacity,” he added.

In a major development, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has secured a 25,000 metric ton quota of tuna from the Indian Ocean Treaty Commission. This strategic achievement is expected to significantly increase fish exports and enhance Pakistan’s presence in international seafood markets.

We are also working to strengthen aquaculture, an area with vast potential, he said adding that we project that with the right investments, aquaculture alone can contribute $200 million in the next two years. He underscored the need for modern infrastructure and technological support to fully harness aquaculture’s capabilities.