ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received a 25,000-tonne tuna fishing quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and is working on a new National Fisheries Policy, the government has started discussions with stakeholders.
As per the private newspaper report, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the quota will help increase fish exports and strengthen Pakistan’s position in global seafood markets.
The IOTC, part of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, promotes cooperation among member countries to manage and conserve fish stocks sustainably.
The minister also highlighted plans to develop aquaculture, which could add $200 million to the economy in two years, during a meeting with Fisheries Development Commissioner Mian Aftab Ali.
As per the report, officials suggested creating a Fisheries Development Fund to support innovation in the sector. The Fisheries Development Commission emphasized the need to update infrastructure and technology to improve aquaculture.
Incentive packages for the fishing industry, including support for fishing vessels, aquaculture equipment, and seafood products, will be announced soon.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has also finalized plans to improve the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA), a federal government body, while provinces handle inland and coastal fishing.
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The minister said the government aims to create a policy that supports fishermen, protects the environment, and boosts exports. The ministry plans to hold workshops in Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad next month to encourage investments in the marine economy.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and offered US support for reducing tensions between Pakistan and India, according to the State Department.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir today,” said State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement.
Rubio encouraged both sides to work toward de-escalation and offered US help in starting talks to prevent future conflicts, the statement added.
