Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Saturday the establishment of a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, with an estimated investment of Rs3 billion.
The minister made the announcement while chairing a high-level meeting focused on the development of Pakistan’s blue economy. The meeting was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, along with representatives from Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as detailed in a press release.
Key Features and Economic Impact of the Aquaculture Park: Spanning 120 acres, the Aquaculture Park’s estimated annual production is projected to range from 360 to 1,200 tonnes, depending on the species cultivated and the farming system employed. Its annual revenue potential is estimated to be between $720,000 and $7.2 million, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity.
The minister stated that the project, covering 120 acres, should be developed under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to bolster the country’s blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. Attendees were informed that the land cost for the Aquaculture Park has been set according to an extensive farming model, providing an affordable and efficient foundation for private investors.
Experts at the meeting highlighted that Pakistan’s coastal waters offer highly conducive conditions for aquaculture, presenting an ideal environment for farming a variety of marine species. To expedite the process, the federal minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days.
Emphasizing the replication of successful models, the minister proposed extending the aquaculture initiative to Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. To enhance inter-agency coordination, the minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department’s sub-office to the premises of the Gwadar Port Authority. This administrative shift is expected to streamline collaboration and accelerate decision-making on blue economy initiatives.
In a separate meeting, the federal minister also reviewed progress on the land allotment and lease policy of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials informed him that the Survey of Pakistan has been engaged to identify and demarcate PQA-owned land. It was also conveyed that the revision of PQA’s master plan is being aligned with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, which is currently underway.
Chaudhry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, asserting that investments in aquaculture and port infrastructure are critical for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and generating employment in coastal regions. These meetings, chaired by the minister, signify a pivotal step in the government’s broader maritime development strategy, which focuses on realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s coastal resources through innovation, cooperation, and robust private sector participation.
