National Seminar ON Pakistan Fisheries & Aquaculture: Present Status, Challenges and Future Pathways

The event brought together policymakers, industry experts, and provincial fisheries representatives from across Pakistan to deliberate on the current state and future prospects of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The session began with a welcome address by Cdre M. Masud Akram SI(M), S Bt – Director NIMA Karachi, who highlighted the strategic importance of fisheries in Pakistan’s Blue Economy and stressed the need for integrated policy reforms, modernization of aquaculture practices, and enhanced inter-provincial coordination.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers representing Federal and provincial fisheries departments, academia, and industry. Notable speakers included Dr. Wasim Khan (Ex-DG Marine Fisheries Department, MoMA), Mr. Ikram Hussain (DD Fisheries, Gilgit Baltistan), Dr. M. Abid (Director Fisheries Punjab), Mr. Noor Elahi (Subject Matter Expert), Dr. Abdul Latif Korai (Director Fisheries, Directorate General Fisheries Sindh Inland), Mr. Zafarullah Jattak (Assistant Professor, Lasbela University Balochistan), Dr. Shahzad Naveed (CEO Alltech Co), Mr. Saad Yousaf (COO Dhabeji Aqua Food Co), Mr. Sakhi Zaman (DD Fisheries AJK), and Dr Hafeez-ur-Rehman Kalhoro (Chief Livestock & Fisheries Section, P&D Govt of Sindh)

Discussions focused on critical challenges including declining marine resources, climate change impacts, sustainable aquaculture development, value chain modernization, export enhancement, and policy harmonization across provinces.

Participants emphasized the need to strengthen institutional frameworks, adopt modern hatchery technologies, and improve regulatory compliance to unlock the sector’s economic potential.

The seminar also featured a Special Appearance by Ms. Almas Kasmani, Founder Saltwater Marina Pvt. Ltd, a passionate advocate for mangrove conservation. Her efforts were appreciated by all present and a certificate of appreciation was also given by President NIMA as a recognition of her efforts and becoming a torch bearer for others to emulate.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal HI(M), President NIMA, who underscored the importance of collaborative governance, research-driven policymaking, and sustainable resource management to position Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector as a major contributor to national economic growth and food security.

The webinar-cum-seminar reaffirmed NIMA’s commitment to promoting maritime research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in support of Pakistan’s Blue Economy Vision.