By Dr Nazia Sher
Pakistan stands at a pivotal point in its economic journey. As the government pursues the ambitions of Uraan Pakistan to stimulate sustainable growth, boost exports and create employment, one sector with enormous promise continues to receive far less attention than it deserves. Fisheries and aquaculture, long overshadowed by agriculture, manufacturing and information technology, could become a major driver of economic progress if given the strategic focus they require.
The country’s Blue Economy offers opportunities that extend well beyond its coastline. Fisheries and aquaculture can strengthen food security, generate foreign exchange, support coastal livelihoods and diversify the national economy. Yet despite its natural advantages, Pakistan has failed to unlock the full value of its marine and inland water resources.
Pakistan possesses more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, an extended continental shelf and extensive rivers, lakes and reservoirs suitable for fish farming. These resources provide a strong foundation for developing a modern fisheries industry. However, the sector remains underdeveloped and contributes only modestly to global seafood production and trade. While many countries have transformed fisheries into highly productive and technology-driven industries, Pakistan continues to rely heavily on traditional capture fisheries, placing increasing pressure on already fragile marine resources.
Around the world, aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing food production sectors. Countries such as China, Vietnam, Norway, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh have expanded production through scientific management, modern farming methods, efficient supply chains and strong regulatory systems. Their success demonstrates that sustainable fisheries are not simply the result of abundant natural resources but of long-term planning, investment and innovation.
Pakistan has yet to make that transition. Overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, habitat degradation and the growing effects of climate change have weakened marine ecosystems. At the same time, freshwater and marine aquaculture remain at an early stage despite their considerable commercial potential. Modern farming techniques, including biofloc systems, recirculating aquaculture and offshore cage farming, have transformed production elsewhere but remain limited in Pakistan. Expanding the cultivation of shrimp, tilapia, trout, seabass, shellfish and seaweed could create new industries, increase exports and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
Infrastructure is another persistent obstacle. Many fish harbors and landing centers operate with outdated facilities, poor hygiene standards and inadequate cold storage. Limited processing capacity means that much of Pakistan’s seafood is exported with little or no value addition, reducing its competitiveness in international markets. Modern seafood processing, improved packaging and stronger quality control could significantly increase export earnings while opening access to higher-value markets.
Pasni Fish Harbor illustrates both the challenge and the opportunity. Its strategic location makes it an important asset for Balochistan’s coastal economy, yet years of neglect have reduced its effectiveness. Upgrading harbor facilities, improving seafood handling systems and investing in supporting infrastructure would not only strengthen local livelihoods but also demonstrate how targeted investment can revitalize the wider fisheries sector.
Institutional weaknesses have also slowed progress. Since the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, responsibility for fisheries has been shared between federal and provincial governments. While decentralization offers advantages, weak coordination, fragmented regulations and limited scientific data have undermined effective management. Sustainable fisheries require consistent policies, reliable stock assessments and stronger monitoring systems that can balance economic development with environmental protection.
The answer lies not in creating more policies but in ensuring that existing commitments are effectively implemented. Establishing a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Task Force under the framework of Uraan Pakistan could provide the coordination needed to bring together federal and provincial institutions, researchers, private investors and fishing communities. Such a body could guide reforms, monitor progress and ensure that investment reaches the areas where it is most needed.
Its priorities should include expanding sustainable aquaculture, modernizing ports and processing facilities, strengthening digital fisheries management, encouraging scientific research and improving access to finance for small-scale fishers and aquaculture entrepreneurs. Technology, including electronic licensing, vessel monitoring systems and seafood traceability, can improve transparency while helping Pakistan meet international market standards. At the same time, partnerships with universities and research institutions would strengthen innovation and support evidence-based decision-making.
Private investment will also play a decisive role. Fisheries cannot become a competitive industry without modern hatcheries, quality fish feed, efficient logistics and export-oriented processing facilities. Strategic fisheries clusters in Karachi, Gwadar, Pasni, Korangi, Ormara and Keti Bunder could integrate production, research, processing and exports, creating employment while strengthening coastal economies.
Pakistan’s fisheries sector represents one of the country’s most overlooked economic opportunities. Its future will depend not on the length of its coastline but on the willingness to invest in science, infrastructure, governance and sustainable resource management. Uraan Pakistan offers an opportunity to place the Blue Economy at the centre of national development rather than treating it as a peripheral sector.
A stronger fisheries and aquaculture industry would mean more than increased seafood production. It would create jobs, improve food security, strengthen exports and provide lasting opportunities for coastal communities. Turning that potential into reality demands political commitment, coordinated institutions and sustained investment. If Pakistan is serious about building a more resilient and diversified economy, the Blue Economy can no longer remain an untapped resource waiting on the margins of national policy.
(The writer is a research associate at the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Pakistan. She focuses on fisheries maritime governance and policy, and blue economy development in Indian Ocean. She can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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