The FISHERY sector plays an important role in the rural economy of Pakistan. More than 471 000 fisher folks, including 287 000 inland fisher folks, find employment in the sector, while the secondary sector (fishery products processing, input provision and marketing) provides employment and income to more than 110 000 households.

Although exact data for aqua culture are lacking, it is estimated that the number of farmers actively involved in this activity is increasing rapidly. Capture fisheries and aqua culture together provide employment for around one percent of the total labour force available in the country.