Islamabad: Pakistan’s seafood exports have reached an unprecedented $568 million for the fiscal year 2025-26, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday. The record-breaking achievement highlights the government’s efforts to enhance the nation’s blue economy and reinforce its seafood sector.

According to Press Information Department, the minister attributed this milestone to the government’s dedication to expanding seafood exports and adhering to international food safety and quality standards. Frozen fish led the export commodities with earnings of $105.09 million, followed by frozen squid and cuttlefish at $103.71 million. Other notable exports included fish meal ($83.12 million), shrimps ($62.14 million), and crabs ($36.89 million).

Seafood products were primarily exported to countries including China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the United States. Despite challenges in regional trade and maritime logistics due to the evolving situation in the Gulf region, the fisheries sector demonstrated resilience, according to Chaudhry.

The minister commended Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan and the Marine Fisheries Department for their contributions in maintaining standards, enhancing regulatory oversight, and facilitating market access. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving quality assurance, diversifying export destinations, and promoting the fisheries industry’s global competitiveness.

Chaudhry also announced an upcoming performance review ceremony, where the top 10 fisheries exporters will be recognized by the Prime Minister. He extended congratulations to the Marine Fisheries Department, the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, fish processors, exporters, and other stakeholders for achieving this unprecedented target.