Karachi: Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has announced the country’s inaugural 10-year national action plan dedicated to shark conservation. The initiative, which will be rolled out in three phases by the Marine Fisheries Department, aims to promote sustainable shark fisheries, enhance the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities, and strengthen international collaboration.

According to Radio Pakistan, the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks will be guided by a multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee. The plan seeks to foster greater international cooperation, notably through partnerships with entities such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. Additionally, the initiative is designed to provide targeted support to improve the economic well-being of communities reliant on coastal fishing.