NBP Digitizes Passport Fee Payments Through Raast P2M QR
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has successfully enabled digital passport fee collections through Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR, allowing citizens to conveniently pay passport fees through the mobile applications of participating banks.
The initiative represents another step in NBP’s ongoing digital transformation journey and supports the Government of Pakistan’s broader Cashless Pakistan agenda, which seeks to expand digital payments and accelerate the digitization of government payments and receipts.
To review the implementation and explore opportunities for further collaboration, Ch. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Director General Immigration & Passports, along with his team, visited NBP Head Office, Karachi, where he met with Mr. Abdul Wahid Sethi, SEVP & Group Chief/ CFO, Financial Control Group; Mr. Faisal Topra, SEVP & Group Chief, Operations Group and Mr. Adnan Nasir, CDO & Group Chief Digital Banking Group, along with senior officials from NBP’s Digital Banking and Operations teams.
The engagement reviewed the performance of the Raast-based cashless passport fee payment solution and explored further digital payment options, including a PSID-based alternate payment mechanism, aimed at enhancing convenience and ensuring continuity of passport fee collections.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abdul Wahid Sethi said “At NBP, we see digital transformation as an important enabler of more accessible, efficient and customer-centric public services. We are pleased to support the Government of Pakistan’s digital payments and cashless economy agenda and remain committed to leveraging technology to make financial services simpler and more accessible for citizens.”
Director General Immigration & Passports appreciated NBP’s efforts and collaboration in advancing digital transformation and improving public service delivery.
The successful implementation of the initiative further strengthens NBP’s role in enabling interoperable digital payments and supporting the modernization of government-related collections, in line with Pakistan’s evolving digital payments ecosystem. Raast is Pakistan’s instant payment system, designed to facilitate digital payments across individuals, businesses and government entities.
Welnox Enters into a Licensing Partnership with P&G for Vicks VapoRub
Welnox, a Martin Dow Group company, announced that it has entered into a licensing partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) for Vicks VapoRub, with availability expected to begin in the coming weeks.
This strategic partnership reinforces Martin Dow’s commitment to expand access to high-quality, reliable healthcare solutions for millions of consumers across the country.
For generations, Vicks has been a trusted part of family care routines, offering comforting relief during cough and cold. Backed by over 125 years of heritage, Vicks VapoRub is formulated to help provide relief from common cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, headache, body ache, and discomfort associated with breathing.
Anwar Zaman, CEO, Welnox, said, “Vicks VapoRub is an iconic brand with enduring equity, and a natural fit with our vision to build a strong, consumer-centric healthcare portfolio. We see significant opportunity to build on its strong foundation and unlock new avenues of growth in Pakistan.”
Vicks VapoRub will be available in pharmacies across Pakistan in the coming weeks.
Patel Hospital Organizes CME Session on “Plastic Surgery Beyond Aesthetics” at Health Asia 2026
The 23rd Health Asia International Exhibition & Conferences, one of Pakistan’s leading healthcare exhibitions and conferences, provided a platform for healthcare professionals and medical experts to share knowledge and expertise. As part of Health Asia 2026, Patel Hospital, in collaboration with Health Asia, organized a CME session titled “Plastic Surgery Beyond Aesthetics – Restoring Lives, Rebuilding Confidence” at the Karachi Expo Centre.
The session was attended by healthcare professionals and members of the medical community. Among the distinguished guests were Medical Director Patel Hospital Dr. Mazhar Nizam, Director Operations Mr. Muhammad Siddique, and Director Communication & Resource Development (CRD) Mr. Farhan Asadi. The session was moderated by Dr. Shazra Khan and Dr. Mahrukh.
The programme commenced with Qirrat, followed by the National Anthem. The session then began with an overview of Patel Hospital by Dr. Mazhar Nizam, who highlighted the hospital’s healthcare services, commitment to serving humanity, and welfare initiatives. He also spoke about Burns and Plastic Surgery and its role in restoring function and improving patients’ lives.
Following the introduction, Dr. Saeed Ali, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, presented on Burn Care & Precautions, highlighting important considerations in the care and management of burn patients. Dr. Wahaj Arshad, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, spoke on Head and Neck Reconstruction, focusing on the role of reconstructive surgery in restoring affected areas.
The session continued with Dr. Shazra Khan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, who presented on Cleft Comprehensive Care, highlighting the importance of comprehensive treatment for patients with cleft conditions. Dr. Noor Ali, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, discussed Scar Management, focusing on approaches to managing scars and improving patient outcomes.
Concluding the presentations, Dr. Zuhera Khan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, delivered a presentation on “Breast Reconstruction: Restoring Confidence After Breast Cancer.” She highlighted the role of breast reconstruction in restoring physical appearance, confidence, and quality of life following breast cancer treatment, while discussing the available reconstruction options.
The CME session concluded with the distribution of shields among the speakers in recognition of their contribution to the educational session.
Through its participation in Health Asia 2026 and initiatives such as this CME session, Patel Hospital continues to promote medical education, professional knowledge-sharing, and advancements in patient care, while reaffirming its commitment to serving humanity through quality and compassionate healthcare.
July LSM Surge Appreciated, Recovery Remains Uneven; Weakness in Textiles, Pharmaceuticals and Steel Needed Sector-Specific Policy Intervention: Mian Zahid Hussain
President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial IT Minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, while commenting on the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, welcomed the improvement in large-scale manufacturing (LSM) recorded in July 2026, describing it as an encouraging sign for industrial activity. He noted that the Quantum Index of Manufacturing reached 119.13 in July 2026, compared with 115.62 in July 2025 and 108.78 in June 2026. Consequently, the index increased by 3.03 percent year-on-year and 9.51 percent month-on-month. He said that the improvement in July is encouraging, particularly because LSM had contracted by 3.48 percent year-on-year in June 2026, while overall LSM growth during FY2025-26 remained at 4.98 percent.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that in July 2026, several major manufacturing groups recorded strong growth, including automobiles at 57.01 percent, transport equipment 40.22 percent, tobacco 35.82 percent, garments 22.03 percent, fabricated metals 13.55 percent, furniture 10.10 percent and electrical equipment 7.88 percent. Non-metallic mineral products grew by 4.25 percent, while petroleum products increased by 1.34 percent. He said that garments alone contributed 3.87 percentage points to overall LSM growth.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that despite positive results in a few sectors, the situation remains worrying in several sectors that are critical for employment, exports and domestic industrial supply chains. Overall, textile production declined by 3.09 percent, pharmaceuticals by 20.79 percent, and iron and steel products by 11.40 percent. Furthermore, food production dropped by 6.39 percent, beverages by 8.77 percent, chemicals by 6.19 percent, paper and board by 4.26 percent, and machinery and equipment by 13.33 percent. The decline in pharmaceuticals alone wiped out 1.24 percentage points from overall LSM growth, while textiles, chemicals and steel together reduced the index by around 1.5 percentage points. He stressed that the deteriorating conditions in the textile sector require immediate government attention, as textiles carry the largest weight of 18.16 percent in the LSM index and remain the backbone of Pakistan’s export economy. While garments recorded strong growth and cotton yarn increased marginally by 2.73 percent, industry stakeholders claim that misuse of the Export Facilitation Scheme has contributed to a noticeable decline in domestic cotton cloth (fabric) production, keeping overall textile output in negative territory. He said these figures indicate that different parts of the value chain are moving in opposite directions.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that micro-level data also point towards industrial weakness, affecting both ordinary consumers and domestic manufacturers. In July 2026, year-on-year production of cooking oil declined by around 19.22 percent, while vegetable ghee production fell by 11.81 percent. In pharmaceuticals, production of liquids and syrups declined by 25.25 percent, injections by 45.45 percent, and capsules by 61.91 percent. Similarly, production of steel billets and ingots fell by 32 percent, indicating that the overall industrial increase in July was concentrated in a limited number of industrial sectors rather than being spread evenly across the manufacturing base.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the government should avoid adopting a ‘One-size-fits-All’ industrial policy and instead pursue a targeted sector-wise promotional strategy. Textile exporters should be provided with reliable electricity and gas at competitive rates, availability of raw materials, faster refunds and easier access to working capital. The pharmaceutical industry requires continuous availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other imported inputs, while the steel sector needs immediate measures to address energy, financing and raw-material constraints. He said that the 9.51 percent month-on-month improvement in July compared with June is certainly a positive signal, but one month of improvement cannot be considered evidence of a sustainable industrial recovery. The government should identify the actual bottlenecks through sector-specific data and adopt targeted corrective measures. Sustainable industrial growth will only be possible when recovery extends beyond a few industries and reaches the country’s major export-oriented and employment-generating sectors.
APAG – The Company Behind Soya Supreme Marks New Chapter with PSX Listing
Manufacturer of Pakistan’s iconic Soya Supreme brand celebrates successful IPO and listing on the Pakistan Stock ExchangeÂ
Agro Processors & Atmospheric Gases Limited (APAG), the manufacturer behind Soya Supreme, one of Pakistan’s most recognized cooking oil brands and a household name, marked its listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) with a Gong Ceremony held at the PSX headquarters today.
With a 45-year heritage, APAG has grown into a diversified house of consumer brands, including Soya Supreme Cooking Oil & Banaspati, Soya Supreme Olive Cooking Oil, Malta, Smart Sauces, Supremo and Taqat Margarine etc. While Soya Supreme remains the brand most closely associated with APAG by consumers, the company today serves millions of consumers through its growing portfolio across multiple categories.
The company’s public offering comprised 58.049 million ordinary shares, representing 15% of post IPO paid up capital. Of this, 43.537 million shares were offered through the Book Building process at a floor price of PKR 32.00 and ceiling of PKR 44.80, with the strike price discovered at PKR 33.00 per share. The Book Building portion was oversubscribed 1.84 times, while the General Public portion was oversubscribed 1.83 times, attracting PKR 878 million against PKR 479 million offered.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ahmed Chinoy, H.I.S.I., Shareholder Director of PSX, stated:
“It is a privilege to welcome Agro Processors & Atmospheric Gases Limited to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. This Gong Ceremony marks the 12th listing of the calendar year and the 4th of the fiscal year, underscoring the strong momentum of Pakistan’s capital market. APAG’s admission is particularly significant as the company behind Soya Supreme, a household brand trusted by generations, now joins the listed community.”
He added: “The successful IPO reflects investor confidence in Pakistan’s consumer sector. The offering of 58 million shares was oversubscribed nearly twice over, with strong participation from both institutional and retail investors. This milestone highlights the resilience of our capital market and the appetite for companies with strong fundamentals and brand equity.”
Mr. Chinoy concluded: “With investor accounts now exceeding 630,000, driven by Millennials and Gen Z, Pakistan’s capital market continues to expand their base and demonstrate long term growth potential. We congratulate APAG and look forward to its continued success as part of the PSX family.”
Mr. Ahmad Aziz Ghulamhussain, CEO – APAG, described the listing as a proud milestone and the beginning of a new chapter for the company.
“This is a very proud moment for everyone at APAG, a company that has been shaped by the dedication of our people, the trust of our consumers and the support of our stakeholders. Our brand, Soya Supreme, is a major name within Pakistani households, and we are incredibly proud of the place our brands have earned in people’s lives. We are proud of how far we have come, and excited about the journey ahead. ”
Looking ahead, Mr. Ghulamhussain highlighted APAG’s ambition to strengthen its existing brands, expand into new categories and create greater value for its stakeholders.
“To now mark APAG’s listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange is a significant milestone in our journey, but it is not the destination. It is the beginning of a new chapter. Our ambition goes well beyond the brands and markets we serve today. We want to continue expanding our portfolio and taking our brands to new markets. We are trusted by millions today, but our vision is to build brands that are trusted and used by billions of consumers around the world.”
Mr. Ghulamhussain also expressed his appreciation to APAG’s employees, consumers, investors and business partners, as well as the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, KTrade Securities, HBL and other advisors and transaction partners who supported the IPO and listing process.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Omar Salah Ahmed, Managing Director, KTrade Securities Limited, said:
“APAG is a great company and a welcome addition to the Food sector at PSX, with a rich 45-year history that has seen one of Pakistan’s most recognized household names, Soya Supreme, become an integral part of everyday life. It was a great honor for KTrade and me to be entrusted with the responsibility of bringing APAG to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. We strongly believe that, given its corporate culture, financial performance and the sponsors’ commitment to further professionalize the Company, APAG has the potential to be among the star IPOs of 2026.”
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial ringing of the PSX Gong, marking APAG’s transition into its next chapter as a publicly listed company.
The milestone represents a significant moment for a homegrown Pakistani business whose brands have been part of everyday life for generations, while opening the door to a new phase of growth, innovation and global ambition.
Philip Morris Says Regulation Key to Reduce Health Care Burden in Pakistan
Pakistan needs to prioritise science-based regulation of smoke-free alternatives as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce smoking-related harm, senior Philip Morris International officials said at a media briefing in Islamabad, citing stagnant quit rates, smoking as the leading cause of cancer in Pakistan, and nearly 164,000 tobacco-related deaths recorded in the country every year.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2024, only 24.1 per cent of smokers made a quit attempt in the past 12 months, virtually unchanged from 24.7 per cent in 2014. Around 22.7 million people currently use tobacco in Pakistan, with approximately 14 million adults smoking tobacco.
Alexey Kim, Senior Director Corporate Affairs and International Campaigns at PMI, said “the central public health question is not whether smoking is harmful. It clearly is. The real question is how Pakistan can accelerate the decline in smoking while ensuring strong youth protections and effective regulatory oversight. Public policy is most effective when supported by evidence and measurable outcomes. Regulators around the world increasingly recognise that not all nicotine products present the same level of risk. Cigarettes remain the most harmful because they involve combustion, and this understanding has led many countries to adopt risk-proportionate regulations,” he said.
Kim added that any nicotine product available to adult consumers must be subject to robust quality standards and regulatory oversight to prevent the growth of unregulated markets. He stressed that enforcement is equally critical. “The effectiveness of any regulatory framework depends on implementation — retail compliance, supply-chain accountability, product surveillance, and age-verification enforcement. A policy is only as effective as its implementation. Youth should not use any tobacco or nicotine products,” he said.
Tomoko Lida, Senior Director Scientific Engagement for South Asia, India, CIS and MEA at PMI, said that nicotine and cigarette smoke are not the same thing. An overwhelming majority of smoking-related diseases are linked to the toxic chemicals produced when tobacco burns. When combustion is removed, the chemistry changes fundamentally. For adults who continue smoking despite knowing the risks, smoke-free alternatives may provide another pathway away from cigarettes,” she said.
Both speakers pointed to international evidence. Japan recorded a 45 per cent decline in adult smoking prevalence between 2014 and 2023 following the adoption of heated tobacco products. Sweden has achieved daily smoking rates of around 5 per cent, among the lowest in Europe. Furthermore, US FDA authorised a modified-risk claim for ZYN nicotine pouch products after extensive scientific review in 2026.
“The ultimate goal remains fewer people smoking and fewer lives lost. People who do not smoke should not start. People who smoke should quit. But for adults who would otherwise continue smoking, access to regulated smoke-free alternatives deserves serious consideration,” Lida concluded.
Failed SOEs Drowned Rs832bn of Public Money in 2024-2025. Privatisation is Essential to Avoid Further Losses and Offering World-class Consumer Services: Mian Zahid Hussain
President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial IT Minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, has said that the recent losses of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) reflect a deep-rooted structural problem that demands urgent and sustained reforms. He noted that a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) was held in Islamabad on September 14, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, to review the performance of federal SOEs during the first half of FY2025-26. The Committee was informed that profitable SOEs generated Rs 423.3 billion during July-December 2025, while loss-making entities recorded aggregate losses of Rs 342.8 billion. Rs. 705 billion were syphoned out by only 11 SOEs whereas the total losses were Rs. 832.8 billion in FY2024-25. Government support to all SOEs stood at Rs 804 billion, whereas these enterprises contributed Rs 839 billion to the national exchequer, resulting in a net positive receipt of Rs 35 billion for the government.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that an analysis of the past 20-year trajectory reveals a highly alarming scale of financial burden. As of December 2025, the cumulative losses of the failed commercial SOEs have now surpassed Rs 6.5 trillion. In the 2000s, the annual aggregate loss ranged between Rs 40 to 90 billion, but with continuous increases, these failing entities are now losing approximately Rs 2.5 to 3 billion every single day. This persistent drain of national exchequer restricts the government’s ability to invest in essential public services and infrastructure. Ultimately, the heavy cost of this continuous wastage is borne by the business community and the public through heavy taxation and exorbitant utility bills.
The veteran business leader pointed out that over the past two decades, successive governments have sustained these failing entities through direct budgetary subsidies, development grants, equity injections, and sovereign loan guarantees, the volume of which has exceeded Rs 10 to 12 trillion. The total debt of SOEs, which stood at around Rs 250 billion in FY2005-06, has multiplied 38 times to reach Rs 9.57 trillion by the first half of FY2025-26. This debt includes Rs 2.16 trillion in off-balance-sheet sovereign guarantees and over Rs 2.03 trillion in unfunded pension liabilities owed by entities like PIA, Pakistan Railways, and power distribution companies (DISCOs). Such an unproductive utilization of national capital is crowding out private sector borrowing, making it difficult to provide the capital required for industrial growth in Pakistan.
Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that over 85% of these long-term losses stem from Power Sector DISCOs, driven by transmission losses, poor recovery, and non-cost-reflective tariffs. The National Highway Authority (NHA) is weighed down by heavy non-performing loans, while PIA and Pakistan Railways are crippled by historical overstaffing and legacy commercial debt. Pakistan Steel Mills continues to swallow billions of rupees annually in maintenance and salaries, despite being closed since 2015, reflecting sheer administrative negligence.
Mian Zahid Hussain observed that while progress on privatization represents a step forward, the PIA—auctioned in December 2025 with management transferred in June 2026—remains a glaring example of the heavy price paid for decades of delayed privatisation. He pointed out that to make the airline commercially viable for private buyers, hundreds of billions of rupees in legacy commercial debt, accumulated liabilities, and unfunded pensions had to be parked into a state-backed holding company. Consequently, the national exchequer and the public are forced to continually share the financial consequences of past administrative negligence and delays. He stressed that the example of PIA must serve as a lesson for policymakers. Delay to restructure and privatize other loss-making entities will exponentially multiply their financial burden, which ultimately the government and the people of Pakistan will be forced to bear.
Mian Zahid Hussain specifically highlighted the government’s net portfolio position and noted that while profitable SOEs earned Rs 423.3 billion over the six-month against the Rs 342.8 billion lost by failing SOEs, the resulting surplus of Rs 80.5 billion rests on extremely vulnerable foundations. This surplus relies almost entirely on a handful of profitable entities, particularly oil and gas companies and financial institutions, which are subsiding the massive burden of failing SOEs. Meanwhile, the public also faces sub-standard services due to the operational inefficiencies of these failing entities.
Mian Zahid Hussain termed the establishment of the Finance Division’s Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) as a positive step towards transparency and emphasized the need for decisive action. He said that, in line with the directives of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government must immediately get rid of running commercial enterprises, as prompt and transparent privatization, along with deep structural reforms, are absolutely essential to stabilize the economy and to provide world class services to the consumers.
September SNIDs inaugurated at the Rotary Community Centre Karachi
The inauguration of the September SNIDs (Sub-National Immunization Days) for polio vaccination, took place today at the Rotary Club of Karachi Community Centre in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The National Chair PolioPlus Committee Aziz Memon who is also a Past Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, together with EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) Focal Person, Dr. Ahmad Ali Shaikh, Shahzad Sabir, District Governor, Rotary District 3271, DGE Fahad Sikandar inaugurated the September SNIDs. Also attending the event was Humayun Qureshi, President Rotary Club of Karachi and several Rotarians.
The upcoming SNIDs scheduled from Sept 21 to 27, 2026 will target 31 million children in 115 polio high-risk districts across the country in areas of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. These SNIDs will cover all children under the age of five years.
Three large scale nationwide campaigns have already been implemented since the beginning of the year covering 45 million children, where some targeted high-risk areas were administered OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) with fIPV (fractional Injectable Polio Vaccine) to strengthen immunity in weak and malnourished children, who are quick to fall prey to the Polio virus.
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Memon stated; “Polio eradication is a collective responsibility. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role by ensuring their children receive all the recommended doses, including routine immunizations. Rotarians facilitate polio frontline workers during campaigns, and play a significant role in monitoring NIDs/SNIDs in their districts, engaging with local community leaders, to promote polio vaccination and counter misinformation and myths.”
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only 2 countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated. It is encouraging though that polio cases in Pakistan have significantly reduced over the years.
Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited (PQFTL) Wins “Best Takaful Initiative” Award at Global Shariah Conference & Awards 2026 for its Mahana Bachat & Takaful Flexi Plan
The award was received by Mr. Waqas Ahmad, CEO, Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited, recognizing the company’s efforts toward developing innovative and Shariah-compliant financial solutions designed to address the evolving financial needs of individuals and families in Pakistan.
Pak-Qatar Family Takaful continues to focus on expanding the accessibility and relevance of Takaful solutions while contributing to the broader development of Islamic finance in Pakistan.
DIB opens a new branch at Sarai Alamgir to a strong welcome from the leading local community figures
In continuation of its Monumental Expansion initiative to extend its footprint across the nation, DIB Pakistan has inaugurated a branch at New Metro City, Sarai Alamgir. This new branch in an exclusive location has been well received by leading figures of the local community opened resulting in a strong momentum from day one.
The continuing expansion underlines DIB Pakistan’s commitment to scaling its presence across fast-growing commercial centers, expanding its physical reach to complement its digital capabilities, and bringing international banking closer to communities across the country.
The branch was inaugurated by Muhammad Ali Gulfaraz, CEO, DIB Pakistan, in the presence of business leaders, community representatives, and key stakeholders from Sarai Alamgir and surrounding areas. Speaking on the occasion he said, “DIB is expanding at a remarkable pace. Building on our strong momentum from last year, we are on track to open another 75 branches this year. Our objective is to establish a powerful, comprehensive presence across every region of Pakistan while delivering a world-class international banking experience to our valued customers”.
The bank’s management team also interacted with the local business community to gain deeper insight into the evolving financial needs of the region including company accounts, remittance accounts, and foreign currency deposits. Customers express appreciation for DIB Pakistan for opening a modern bank branch in the area and said it would support economic development and business growth in the region. With a growing branch network and continued focus on key growth markets, DIB Pakistan is progressing its reach onwards and upwards across the country.
Through continuous investment in network infrastructure, service excellence, and technology, DIB Pakistan remains focused on driving sustainable growth, expanding customer touchpoints, and supporting economic activity across urban and regional hubs.
Pakistan’s Seafood Exports Poised for $2 Billion
Modern technology and value addition is must. negligible global share of 0.29% despite 1000km coastline: Mian Zahid Hussain
President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial IT Minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, has stated that despite the abundance of natural resources in Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, its contribution to national exports remains dismal. He emphasized that through a concrete strategy, the implementation of modern technology, and value addition, the sector’s exports can easily be boosted to $2 billion.
Mian Zahid Hussain noted that seafood exports stood at $568 million during the last fiscal year, registering a 38 percent increase over two years. China remained Pakistan’s largest seafood market, absorbing approximately 59 percent of the total exports. However, he lamented that despite possessing a 1,000-kilometre-long coastline and a 240,000-square-kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Pakistan’s share in the $195 billion global seafood export market is a mere 0.29 percent, which should be a moment of reflection for policymakers and economic planners.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that China ranks first in global seafood production with a 35.7 percent share, followed by India at 9.5 percent and Indonesia at 7.1 percent, while Vietnam and Peru also hold prominent positions. Pakistan, unfortunately, ranks 34th in the world, with its share in global aquatic food production stagnating at approximately 0.4 percent in 2014, 2019, and 2024. During 2014-2024, Pakistan’s annual average production growth rate was a dismal 1.1 percent, compared to 5.8 percent for India, 4.3 percent for Peru, and 3.7 percent for Vietnam. This glaring contrast exposes the massive untapped potential for Pakistan to increase production and capitalize on its economic capacity. In the export market, Norway and China dominate with an approximate 10 percent share each, while Ecuador, Vietnam, Chile, and India also hold significant shares. Pakistan’s 0.02 percent Cumulative Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2016 to 2025 further highlights its highly restricted footprint in the global aquatic food market relative to its actual potential.
Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted that the primary hurdles restricting Pakistan’s access to the global seafood market include a weak traceability and certification system, a lack of boat registration and digital records, poor enforcement of food safety and quality standards, and complex licensing procedures. Furthermore, declining fish stocks, overfishing, illegal fishing, and the absence of effective quota and stock management systems are severely compromising the sector’s export potential. He pointed out that inadequate fishing harbours, jetties, cold storages, testing laboratories, and quarantine facilities, compounded by high interest rates, limited financing, a fragile value chain, insufficient hatcheries, feed mills, and a lack of institutional capacity, remain major bottlenecks. The absence of an integrated data system for reliable catch, landing, stock, and export figures damages resource management and shatters the confidence of international buyers.
Mian Zahid Hussain stressed that Pakistan must shift from viewing fisheries and aquaculture merely as traditional fishing and instead develop it as a modern, export-oriented, and value-added blue economy. To achieve this, effective coordination between federal and provincial institutions, complete traceability of boats and catches, world-class certification and food safety regimes, modern harbours, sustainable fisheries management, and accessible financing for the private sector must be ensured on a priority basis. He asserted that shifting the focus from exporting raw fish to processed, frozen, packaged, and value-added seafood products will not only expand Pakistan’s current market access but also open doors to new global markets. The FPCCI is ready to provide actionable proposals to the government based on policy research and private sector experience to promote investment and exports. He concluded that eliminating outdated practices, establishing a modern cold chain infrastructure, promoting shrimp farming, and complying with global standards can undoubtedly change the destiny of the national economy through enhanced seafood exports.