ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has significant potential in boosting fish exports if research is conducted to expand the resource base and catching techniques are modernised.
“Modern technology can help Pakistan improve fish production and exports, and protect the environment at the same time,” Zahid Mehmood Akhter, an assistant professor and coordinator of the economic department at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, told WealthPK.
“Modern boats and cutting-edge fishing equipment need to be introduced on a priority basis as this will not only help control overfishing and marine pollution but also protect fish resources,” he said.
“The government should develop the maritime fisheries infrastructure and also extend financial support to the fishing communities,” he added. The NUML teacher stressed that sustainable development of the fisheries sector can be attained through evolving proper mechanisms with the input from academia, media and the people involved in fishing trade.
Meanwhile, Dr Sajid Mehmood Shahzad, Vice-Chancellor of Minhaj University, Lahore, underscored that the strategically-located Gwadar Port can play a big role in boosting Pakistan’s fisheries sector. –INP
