Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday inaugurated a Fishing Technology Museum in Karachi and carried out the soft launch of the “Mahi Dost” mobile application.
The introductory ceremony, held at the Marine Fisheries Department, was attended by Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, Director General Marine Fisheries Department Mansoor Ali Wassan, and other senior officials.
During the event, Assistant Director Marine Fisheries Shafaat Hussain briefed participants on the Mahi Dost app, explaining that the European Union restricts imports of seafood products obtained in violation of international regulations.
He said the new application would digitally record complete data on fish species, quantities, fishing methods and vessels, helping Pakistan meet international compliance standards. Fishermen will be able to register themselves and their boats on the app, log fishing activities, and use GPS to identify fishing locations.
The app will also maintain records of the type of nets used and the quantity of fish caught, facilitating compliance with European and US import requirements.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said both the Fishing Technology Museum and the Mahi Dost app would play a key role in promoting Pakistan’s marine food exports.
He noted that the app would ensure digital traceability across the fisheries sector.
The minister stated that Pakistan’s seafood exports had reached $235 million in 2025, adding that strengthening the blue economy remains a key priority under the Prime Minister’s vision.
He said the museum would serve as a national hub for research, education and policymaking, supporting sustainable fishing practices.
He further noted that the use of modern technology would enable effective monitoring against illegal and unreported fishing.
According to him, the Mahi Dost app aligns with global fisheries standards and is expected to significantly boost marine exports by improving fishermen’s access to international markets.
The minister concluded by saying that these initiatives are in line with the Blue Economy Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 14, stressing that without adopting modern technology, keeping pace with the world would not be possible.
