Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector can significantly attract private sector investments and boost its export-based contribution to the nation

FAO Drafts New National Policy to Transform Pakistan's Fisheries Sector

PAKISTAN
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

A new policy framework, developed by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to unlock billions in export revenue and create over a million jobs by fostering sustainable growth and attracting private investment in Pakistan's vital fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's fisheries and aquaculture sector is poised for a significant transformation, with the potential to attract substantial private sector investments and dramatically increase its contribution to the national economy. This is according to a comprehensive policy drafted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which emphasizes accelerated growth and sustainable management through a cohesive policy and governance mechanism.

The new framework, titled "National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035," sets ambitious goals. Its core aim is the responsible use of marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture resources, ensuring sustainable management and resilient development through coherent governance at both federal and provincial levels. This strategic approach is designed to bolster food security, enhance the livelihoods of communities, alleviate poverty, and drive export-oriented growth across the fisheries sector.

Pakistan boasts a substantial marine endowment, featuring a 1,001-km coastline and a 240,000 square km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These vast marine resources are exploited through shared rights and clear jurisdictions between the federal government and the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan. These resources are indispensable for the country’s economy, the sustenance of its coastal communities, and overall food security.

The FAO highlights the immense, untapped potential of these resources, which could evolve into a multi-billion-dollar sustainable industry. Projections suggest opportunities to generate over $2 billion in exports and create employment for over a million families.

However, the report also addresses critical challenges. Decades of overfishing, overcapacity, and destructive practices have severely depleted fish stocks by an alarming 60 to 90 percent. The responsible and sustainable use of these crucial resources is therefore paramount to prevent further depletion and ensure their long-term viability for future generations. The new policy aims to directly address these issues, paving the way for a healthier, more productive, and economically beneficial fisheries sector in Pakistan.

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