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QUETTA, Nov 05 (APP):A landmark shrimp farming project launched in Balochistan is expected to create around 1,000 direct jobs and open up major opportunities in Pakistan’s aquaculture sector.
Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) Chief Executive Officer Qaim Lashari told Wealth Pakistan that the provincial government has initiated a public-private partnership model to develop a modern shrimp farming and processing zone along the coastal belt. “This initiative will uplift coastal livelihoods, create jobs, boost seafood exports, and attract private investment,” he said.
Lashari said the project represents a shift in provincial development priorities from traditional agriculture toward high-value, non-traditional sectors.
Pakistan’s agricultural policies have long been focused on staple crops such as wheat, cotton, and sugarcane, but shrinking water resources and changing climate patterns have made diversification essential.
The new shrimp farming venture is being developed by a consortium of national enterprises, including House of Kasib, Al-Karam Textile, Dhabeji Aqua Foods, Swat Ceramics, and Tufail Group.
The private partner, Paravite, will finance, design, build, and operate the farm and processing facilities, while the provincial government will provide land, utilities, and regulatory support.
Under the preliminary revenue-sharing plan, 80 percent of the earnings will go to the private partner and 20 percent to the government, with final terms to be confirmed after a detailed feasibility study.
Construction and mobilization are expected to take about 20 months before the first shrimp stocking begins. At the end of the concession period, all project assets will revert to the government, ensuring long-term public ownership and continued sectoral development.
The initiative aligns with Balochistan’s broader blue economy strategy, which aims to harness marine and coastal resources for sustainable growth.
Having one of the region’s longest coastlines and favourable climatic conditions, Pakistan is now ready to fully exploit its aquaculture potential. The country’s shrimp exports currently stand at just 78 million dollars a year.
Officials believe that large-scale shrimp farming in Balochistan could help bridge this gap, expand exports, and bring prosperity to coastal communities. If supported by reliable infrastructure, effective biosecurity measures, and clear policy frameworks, the model could be replicated across the province.
A senior Balochistan government official told Wealth Pakistan that Pakistan’s coastal and saline lands offer huge potential for shrimp and fish farming. With global seafood demand rising and the government encouraging exports, the success of the Balochistan project could help unlock a new export industry and strengthen food security nationwide.
He pointed out that increased technology adoption and targeted public incentives will be essential for scaling up aquaculture operations. If implemented effectively, the project could turn Balochistan’s coastline into an economic corridor for seafood exports, attract foreign investors, and make Pakistan a competitive player in the global aquaculture market, he concluded.