ISLAMABAD -   Speakers at a key policy workshop on fisheries development have stressed the urgent need for a unified national strategy to bolster Paki­stan’s fisheries sector, enhance its contribution to the national GDP, and boost seafood export revenues.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Na­tions (FAO) in Peshawar on the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy. 

This session is part of a broader nationwide consul­tation process, with upcoming workshops scheduled for Lahore and Karachi on 20th and 22nd May re­spectively. A final consultative workshop is planned for June in Islamabad, as per the directive of Fed­eral Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

Speaking at the event, FAO Country Head, Leonor Fernandez underscored the organization’s commit­ment to supporting Pakistan in agriculture, livestock, irrigation, forestry, and fisheries. 

She emphasized that the initiative is designed to uplift socio-economic conditions by improving gov­ernance frameworks, legal and policy development, and encouraging inclusive participation from all stakeholders.

Presenting the draft policy, FAO Senior Policy Spe­cialist, Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal detailed a comprehensive framework grounded in responsible resource utilization and robust governance. 

The policy aims to strike a balance between eco­nomic, social, and environmental priorities, ensuring sustainable and resilient growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across federal and provincial ju­risdictions, he added.

Fisheries Development Commissioner, Mian Aftab Ali Shah reaffirmed the federal government’s dedica­tion to empowering provincial fisheries departments and promoting a regulated, growth-oriented sector. 

He acknowledged the participants’ active contri­butions and confirmed further workshops in Lahore and Karachi ahead of advanced consultations in Is­lamabad.

Representatives from the Fisheries Departments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) praised the direction of the draft policy, offering con­structive feedback on financial frameworks, expendi­ture analysis, and freshwater reservoir leasing models.

Breakout group sessions facilitated dynamic stake­holder engagement, culminating in a panel discussion featuring Khalid Khan, Founder & President of Plan­et Pulse; Dr. Zaighum Hasan; and CEO of the Fisher­ies Development Board, Junaid Wattoo. Their insights contributed to a rich exchange of recommendations aimed at shaping a forward-looking fisheries sector.

Over 70 participants from Islamabad, Khyber Pa­khtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK attended the workshop, representing FAO, MoMA, FDB, provincial fisheries departments, KP Board of Investment, SME­DA, academia, civil society, and the private sector.