Expert Omar Hayat Khan Highlights the Need for Governmental Support and Investment to Transform Rural Employment and National Revenue
PESHAWAR: The aquaculture industry in Pakistan holds the potential to generate billions of US dollars through exports while also providing employment opportunities for rural youth and income for investors. Omar Hayat Khan, an aquaculture and environment expert, emphasized the need for both federal and provincial governments to focus on aquaculture and fisheries, creating an environment that attracts investment.
Currently, aquaculture in Pakistan operates at a subsistence or small scale, lagging behind countries like Iran, Turkey, and India, where commercial aquaculture thrives due to supportive policies. Khan, with three decades of experience in KP Fisheries Department, criticized the lack of budgetary support for aquaculture in the fiscal year 2024-25.
He proposed adopting the Japanese model of export-led development, which involves creating a supportive environment for local human resources through education and training, thereby attracting foreign investment. Khan stressed that Pakistan’s renewable aquatic resources and diverse environmental zones are ideal for developing a thriving aquaculture industry.
Khan called for a reorganization of provincial Fisheries Departments to align with an export-led vision and highlighted the roles of the Fisheries Development Board and the Small and Medium Development Authority in coordinating efforts. He also urged the creation of awareness among private investors about the potential of aquaculture exports, facilitated by the Boards of Investment at federal and provincial levels.
The federal government, through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), should take decisive measures to utilize Pakistan’s untapped resources for the benefit of its people.
