Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar on Tuesday said that seafood products, ranging from fish and shrimp to crabs and squid, including frozen and fresh seafood, canned goods, and value-added items like breaded fish fillets, can find their way to international markets if we ensure our adherence to quality standards, and the integration of technology is ensured.
This he said while speaking at a seminar organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) to commemorate World Fisheries Day at Bahria University. He said that he was happy for the professionals and policymakers on this significant occasion of World Fisheries Day 2023, marked by the theme “Conservation through Collaboration: Developing Fishing Communities.” Today, I am privileged to share this moment with you, a gathering that highlights the heartbeat of our celebration—the vibrant and resilient fishing communities along the Pakistan coast.
The CM said that the fishermen’s communities were not merely guardians of the sea; they embody the essence of our cultural heritage, preserving traditions that have been cherished and passed down through generations. “As we come together to observe World Fisheries Day, it is only fitting that we shine a spotlight on these communities, placing them at the forefront of our discussions,” he said.
Baqar said that Pakistan was blessed with a coastline stretching over 1,000 km and an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 290,000 sq. km, including the extended continental shelf. “This endowment positions Pakistan with significant potential for the development of the Blue Economy,” he said and added our marine fishing activities were concentrated along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, constituting 30 per cent and 70 per cent of Pakistan’s total coastal area, respectively.
The CM said that for periods, fishing has been a vital source of sustenance for communities along the Indus River and the Arabian Sea. “Our waters harbour approximately 70 commercial fish species,” he disclosed and said that the fisheries sector not only significantly contributes to our economy but also forms the backbone of livelihoods for our coastal communities.
