The provincial cabinet has approved the Balochistan Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035, a milestone achievement and the first of its kind in the country. This policy reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development and good governance. It ensures the responsible use of provincial resources to promote socio-economic uplift and provide alternative livelihoods.
Dr. Javed Anwar Shahwani, Secretary of the Fisheries and Coastal Development Department, presented the policy at the cabinet meeting. Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Dr. Allauddin Kakar from the Fisheries Department joined him. Developed over 11 months through an inclusive and collaborative process with technical support from the FAO. The project received financial backing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This support was provided under the Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support Project. Phase-II, the policy aligns with national legislation and international obligations.
The policy emphasizes sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture while aiming to rebuild fish stocks. Key measures include maintaining a ban on trawling and restricting harmful fishing gear. Additionally, declaring the fisheries and aquaculture sector as an industry aims to boost its development. To ensure proper governance, the policy envisions the establishment of the Balochistan Fisheries & Aquaculture Council. This council will be supported by an Endowment Fund and the Balochistan Fisheries Welfare Fund.
Additional reforms include revisiting outdated legislation, creating special courts to expedite justice, and improving the management of harbors and coastal areas. The Fisheries Department, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies, will establish a monitoring, control, and surveillance system. Authorities will register all unregistered fishing vessels and implement a Vessel Monitoring System to ensure sustainable practices in the province’s fisheries sector.
