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FAO launches roadmap to unlock KP’s aquaculture potential
STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Fisheries Development Board (FDB), on Thursday launched a comprehensive technical report outlining a roadmap for the sustainable development and commercialization of aquaculture in the province, aiming to boost fish production, attract investment and strengthen food security.
The report, titled “Mapping High-Potential Aquaculture Zones and Cluster-Based Commercialization Strategy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” was developed under FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). It identifies high-potential areas for cold-water (trout), semi-cold and warm-water aquaculture while proposing a cluster-based commercialization strategy to promote environmentally sustainable fish farming and improve livelihoods.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses abundant freshwater resources suitable for aquaculture but has lacked comprehensive spatial mapping and an integrated commercialization strategy to guide the sector’s long-term development. The new report seeks to address these gaps by providing a scientific framework for planning, investment and sustainable expansion.
According to the report, the province currently produces around 5,022 metric tons of fish annually, with an estimated farm-gate value of PKR 3.21 billion. However, fish demand is expected to reach nearly 100,000 metric tons by 2030, underscoring the need for strategic public and private investment to expand commercial aquaculture, particularly high-value trout farming.
The report was unveiled during a ceremony in Peshawar attended by senior government officials, development partners, technical experts, academics, private sector representatives and fish farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zarif Ul Maani, described the report as an important milestone for the province’s fisheries sector.
“This report provides a solid foundation to guide future planning and investment in the aquaculture sector. It will help unlock the province’s fisheries potential while contributing to food security, livelihoods and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
FAO Pakistan Officer-in-Charge James Robert Okoth reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the provincial government in developing a competitive and sustainable fisheries sector.
“This report represents an important milestone in strengthening informed planning for the aquaculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through our partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Fisheries Development Board, FAO is proud to support aquaculture development that enhances food security, creates livelihood opportunities and promotes inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Presenting the report, Fisheries Development Board Chief Executive Officer and project team leader Muhammad Junaid Wattoo said the mapping exercise and commercialization strategy would serve as a practical guide for future investment and policy planning.
“The report offers practical guidance for developing environmentally sustainable and commercially viable aquaculture clusters that can accelerate the growth of the fisheries sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.
FAO Project Manager Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal briefed participants on the project, highlighting the GIS-based mapping, field surveys and stakeholder consultations carried out across the province. The event also featured the launch of a dedicated project website, enabling stakeholders to access the technical report and other project outputs.
The report is expected to support evidence-based policymaking, encourage greater public and private sector investment, and facilitate the sustainable expansion of aquaculture across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials expressed confidence that its recommendations would help create employment opportunities, improve rural livelihoods, enhance food security and contribute to the province’s economic development.
National
Kayani Launches Punjab Model Bazaar Project in Sohawa
PROVINCE REPORT
JHELUM: Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani inaugurated the Sohawa Model Bazaar, completed at a cost of Rs109.2 million under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Barrier-Free and Beautiful Bazaar” project.
After the inauguration, the minister inspected the newly developed market, reviewing facilities including pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and an improved sewage and drainage system. He said the model bazaars in Jhelum, Dina, and Sohawa would set new standards of convenience and urban development, adding that the projects in Jhelum and Dina would also be completed soon.
Later, Bilal Azhar Kayani held an open court at the Municipal Committee Hall in Sohawa, where Punjab Chief Minister’s Health Adviser, Major General (Retd) Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kayani, was also present. The minister listened to public grievances for over six hours and directed the relevant departments to resolve citizens’ issues on the spot. Senior district administration, police, and departmental officials also attended the session.
