The Karachi Fish Harbour is undergoing extensive improvements in preparation for an upcoming audit by the European Union (EU) scheduled for the first week of April. The audit, led by the European Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food, Audits and Analysis, will assess the compliance of Pakistan’s fishery sector with EU regulations.
The Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) has warned stakeholders about serious deficiencies in sanitation and hygiene at the harbour, particularly at landing sites and auction halls. In response, the Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA) and the Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited (FCSL) have been tasked with implementing necessary improvements. Enhanced hygiene measures, proper handwashing stations, waste management systems, and certified ice supply are among the mandatory upgrades.
Mohammad Zafar Iqbal Kundi, Chairman of the Pakistan Fishery Exporters Association (PFEA), expressed confidence in the sector’s readiness. He highlighted that exporters are expediting compliance efforts to meet EU standards, with the anticipation of increased trade opportunities. Currently, four exporters are certified to export fishery products to the EU, and three additional applications are under review.
Kundi projected that expanding the number of approved exporters to 12 could boost Pakistan’s annual export earnings from fishery products to $200-300 million. Zahid Khemtio, Managing Director of the KFHA, confirmed that multiple government agencies are collaborating to ensure the harbour meets the EU’s stringent requirements.
With these reforms in place, Pakistan aims to strengthen its position in the international seafood market while ensuring the sustainability and safety of its fishery exports.
