Four-member panel to submit recommendations within a week on incentives linked to incremental seafood export growth.
ISLAMABAD, August 7, 2026: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has constituted a four-member committee to finalise a performance-based fish export incentive scheme aimed at increasing Pakistan’s seafood exports while retaining the existing tax regime.
Chairing a meeting on Friday, the minister said the proposed scheme would reward exporters based on incremental growth in seafood exports without introducing any changes to the current taxation framework. He added that the initiative is intended to improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s fisheries sector and attract greater domestic and foreign investment.
“This is the right time to attract businesses towards Pakistan’s fisheries sector,” Junaid Chaudhry said, adding that stronger incentives and closer engagement with exporters would help raise seafood exports and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Four-Member Committee Constituted
The committee will be headed by Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman.
Other members include:
• Dr Shahid, Director General, Korangi Fish Harbour Authority
• Dr Mansoor Wasan, Director General, Marine Fisheries Department
• Muhammad Farhan Khan, Assistant Commissioner Fisheries
The minister directed the committee to review the proposed incentive mechanism and submit its recommendations within one week.
Stakeholder Consultation and Export Awards
In addition to finalising the incentive framework, the committee has been tasked with:
• Consulting exporters and other industry stakeholders.
• Preparing proposals for national awards to recognise outstanding fish exporters.
• Developing practical recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s seafood export sector.
The minister emphasised that industry consultation would ensure the scheme addresses the needs of exporters while supporting sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.
Focus on Competitiveness
During the meeting, Marine Fisheries Department Director General Dr Mansoor Wasan said targeted incentives, combined with stronger coordination with exporters, could significantly improve the competitiveness of Pakistani seafood in international markets.
The proposed incentive programme is expected to encourage exporters to increase shipments, invest in value-added products and expand into new overseas markets.
Seafood Exports Reach $568 Million
Highlighting the sector’s economic significance, Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan’s seafood exports reached $568 million during FY2025-26, making fisheries an important source of foreign exchange earnings and employment.
He said the government is pursuing a broader strategy to expand seafood exports by:
• Improving quality standards.
• Promoting value addition.
• Enhancing competitiveness in international markets.
• Encouraging investment across the fisheries value chain.
The minister also instructed the committee to work closely with exporters, seafood processors and other stakeholders to develop recommendations that support export growth and strengthen Pakistan’s position in global seafood markets.
The proposed performance-based incentive scheme is expected to promote sustainable development of the fisheries sector while creating greater opportunities for Pakistani seafood exporters in key international markets.