PIDE hosts policy dialogue on transforming Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector

Islamabad
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) organized a policy seminar on Pakistan’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and sector experts to discuss a long-term framework for green growth, food security, export development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Moderated by Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Research Fellow at PIDE, the seminar highlighted the sector’s strategic importance within Pakistan’s agricultural economy, noting that despite its significant contribution to employment and nutrition, fisheries and aquaculture remain underdeveloped due to governance gaps, fragmented legislation, weak value chains, outdated financing, and limited climate risk integration.
Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Senior Policy Specialist at FAO, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that the policy is among Pakistan’s most comprehensive and participatory reform efforts in recent years. Developed through consultations with provinces, federal institutions, international experts, and technical working groups, the policy aims to harmonize federal and provincial mandates.
Mr. Iqbal stressed responsible resource use and sound governance, aligning fisheries management with international standards, including FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
He highlighted the urgent need to address data deficiencies, overfishing, illegal fishing, and inadequate infrastructure that have constrained sector sustainability and export competitiveness.
The seminar spotlighted aquaculture as a key driver of alternative livelihoods and export growth, citing successful pilot projects in freshwater and marine aquaculture supported by modern infrastructure, research, and regulatory clarity. Proposed institutional reforms include declaring fisheries and aquaculture as an industry, offering tax and duty exemptions to boost investment, establishing an Apex Council for coordination, introducing integrated e-governance systems, and strengthening monitoring to curb illegal fishing.
The session concluded with reflections on implementation challenges. The draft policy, validated by a Technical Working Group, is in its final review before submission to the Federal Cabinet for approval. PIDE reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based policy dialogue and institutional reform to promote sustainable development, economic resilience, and food security in Pakistan.