Following a record-breaking $568 million in seafood exports during the last fiscal year, Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Ministry has formed a four-member committee to construct a performance-based incentive model for fish exporters.
Chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the initiative seeks to reward incremental export growth while preserving the existing tax framework. The goal is to enhance international competitiveness and draw new investment into the domestic seafood sector.
“This is the right time to attract businesses toward Pakistan’s fisheries sector,” Chaudhry noted during a meeting in Islamabad, emphasizing that enhanced incentives and stakeholder collaboration will drive higher export revenues and boost economic contribution.
Pakistan’s fish exports grew significantly in FY 2025-26, rising to $568 million from $489.2 million recorded the previous year. Despite this growth, shipments remain heavily concentrated; China alone imported over 83,602 metric tons worth $149.2 million in the first half of the fiscal year—representing nearly 59% of total export value. Thailand ($31.3 million), the UAE, Malaysia, and Japan represent the next largest destinations.
Committee Details and Mandate
The newly established panel will be led by Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman. Its additional members include:
- Dr. Shahid: Director General, Korangi Fish Harbor Authority
- Dr. Mansoor Wasan: Director General, Marine Fisheries Department
- Muhammad Farhan Khan: Assistant Commissioner (Fisheries)
The committee has been tasked with three primary objectives to complete within one week:
- Review and refine the proposed export incentive mechanism.
- Develop a proposal for national awards honoring top seafood exporters.
- Consult directly with exporters, processors, and industry stakeholders before finalizing the framework.
Dr. Wasan noted that targeted incentives combined with closer industry coordination would significantly bolster Pakistan’s standing in global seafood markets.
Pakistan features a coastline stretching over 1,000 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, exporting products such as shrimp, tuna, mackerel, crab, cuttlefish, and fish meal. Though the sector traditionally accounts for roughly 1% of GDP, recent government initiatives aim to scale its contribution—including a public-private partnership to construct a Rs3 billion ($10.5 million), 120-acre aquaculture park in Karachi.
