Islamabad, Today marks the International Day Against Illegal Fishing, an event observed globally to highlight the environmental and economic impacts of unlawful fishing practices. In Pakistan, the day was marked by a significant announcement from the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, who outlined new initiatives to combat illegal fishing activities within the country’s waters.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Sheikh emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent illegal fishing and announced that the federal government plans to delegate licensing authority for fishing to the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan. This move is intended to enhance local governance and oversight of fishing activities, ensuring that they are managed sustainably and within legal frameworks.

Additionally, Minister Sheikh expressed Pakistan’s desire to collaborate with China on fishing activities in the open sea. This cooperation aims to enhance mutual understanding and regulatory compliance between the two countries, promoting sustainable fishing practices while fostering economic growth and protecting marine biodiversity.

These initiatives reflect Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its maritime governance and its participation in global efforts to prevent illegal fishing, an issue that poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems around the world.