Pakistan launches digital system to stop illegal fishing, boost exports

Pakistan  – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Pakistan has introduced a digital fisheries traceability system and opened its first Fishing Technology Museum to tackle illegal fishing, enhance regulatory oversight, and expand access to global seafood markets, the Maritime Affairs Ministry announced this week.

The country’s fisheries sector has long faced challenges such as unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, limited monitoring, and weak traceability, which have hindered export growth despite Pakistan’s extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea. Meeting international standards, especially those set by the European Union and the United States, has become essential for accessing key markets.

From Pakistan’s waters to Global Markets 🐟🌊🌏

🇵🇰’s fisheries exports reached $500 mn, showing potential of country’s #seafood industry.

🇵🇰 has wide variety of fish, shrimps, crabs , lobsters , squid , cuttlefish & bivalves.

Build your seafood business , Invest in 🇵🇰 Today! pic.twitter.com/kbMSFhCDsV

— SIFC | Special Investment Facilitation Council🇵🇰 (@sifcpakistan) January 5, 2026

On Monday, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated the fishing museum in Karachi and soft-launched the “Mahi Dost” app, a digital catch-to-consumer tracking system designed to help Pakistani seafood exporters meet stringent international certification requirements.

Addressing fishermen, academics and members of the business community, Chaudhry said the two new initiatives together would strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance in the fisheries sector and help curb regional losses from illegal fishing, estimated at around $1 billion. He said they were aligned with Pakistan’s Blue Economy Policy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on protecting marine ecosystems.

“The government is committed to aligning with global best practices by combining heritage and innovation to secure a sustainable maritime future,” Chaudhry said.

The minister said the new museum was intended to serve as more than a cultural exhibition space.

“The museum was not merely an exhibition space but a strategic asset for the country’s blue economy,” he said.

“By bringing together indigenous knowledge and modern innovations such as AI-enabled sonar and environmentally friendly nets, the initiative would support informed policymaking to counter overfishing and climate-related risks.”

Pakistan Army calls 2025 landmark year in fight against militancy

The newly launched Mahi Dost app introduces digital tracking of seafood from catch to consumer using blockchain, GPS and QR-code technology. Fishermen can log catch data in real time, enabling verification of origin, fishing methods and supply chains, which are requirements increasingly enforced by importing countries.

According to the ministry, the system is designed to comply with international frameworks including EU Catch Certification rules, regulations targeting IUU fishing, the US Marine Mammal Protection Act and standards set by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

Pakistan & Bangladesh eye JF-17 aircraft deal, deepen air force cooperation

Chaudhry described the app as a tool to safeguard legal fishing practices and strengthen exports.

“The app would verify dolphin-safe fishing and transparent supply chains, directly strengthening Pakistan’s seafood exports,” he said, noting exports were currently valued at around $500 million annually.

Chaudhry added that early pilot projects had already reduced approval times for European markets and enabled small-scale fishermen to access higher-value international buyers.