Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has unveiled a 10-year national plan to protect threatened shark populations in the Arabian Sea.
The initiative aims to conserve marine biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. Moreover, Pakistan wants to establish itself as a leader in sustainable shark fisheries by 2035.
The plan will target illegal shark finning and accidental catches. It will also protect critical marine habitats and introduce annual assessments of shark populations and stocks.
Furthermore, the government plans to create alternative livelihood opportunities for fishing communities affected by conservation measures.
“The first five years of the plan will require up to $5 million,” Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.
Government Targets Overfishing and Shark Finning
Chaudhry said authorities would strengthen laws governing shark conservation under the new initiative. Additionally, he noted that Pakistan must protect sharks under its international environmental commitments.
Sharks play a vital role as apex predators in marine ecosystems. They regulate species lower in the food chain and help maintain ecological balance.
However, overfishing, accidental catches and habitat degradation have placed Pakistan’s shark populations under growing pressure. Shark fins also remain valuable exports for markets where consumers use them in traditional dishes.
Shark and Ray Landings Show Sharp Decline
A 2025 study published in the Pakistan Journal of Zoology highlighted the scale of the decline.
According to the study, annual shark and ray landings dropped from 54,959 metric tons in 1999 to 5,793 tons in 2019. Therefore, the figures indicate a steep long-term decline in these marine species.
Meanwhile, the government began developing the national action plan last year after consulting Sindh and Balochistan authorities and other stakeholders.
The plan identifies requiem, hammerhead, thresher, mackerel and whale sharks among species requiring protection.
Consequently, stronger monitoring, enforcement and awareness efforts will form key parts of Pakistan’s conservation strategy.
