World Fisheries Day Marked at UVAS with Focus on Blue Economy and Women’s Empowerment

By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, through its Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, observed World Fisheries Day at Ravi Campus Pattoki, highlighting this year’s theme: “Blue Economy: Pathway to Sustainable Development.”

The event featured an awareness walk, a seminar, and a business idea competition aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries practices and strengthening the country’s aquaculture sector.

The walk was led by Prof Dr Saima, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, and attended by Prof Dr Arshad Javid (Principal Officer, Ravi Campus), Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman (Chairman, Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture), Minahil Yousaf (CEO, Zarwa Enterprises), Andleeb Kamal (Dhabeji Aquafood), fisheries professionals, stakeholders, faculty members and students.

During the seminar, Prof Dr Saima underscored the significant contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to Pakistan’s economy and food security. She particularly emphasized the need to empower women in aquaculture, calling it essential for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman briefed participants on the department’s state-of-the-art Model Fish Processing and Value Addition Facilities, designed to offer hands-on training and enhance the practical skills of students and professionals. He said these facilities help reduce waste, improve resource utilization, and convert processing by-products into high-value products—contributing directly to sustainable fisheries development.

Speaking about women’s participation in the sector, Minahil Yousaf stressed the importance of encouraging women to launch their own aquaculture ventures, enabling them to achieve economic independence and contribute to national growth.

Andleeb Kamal highlighted advancements in modern shrimp culture operations in Karachi, discussing production systems, feed management, and the business dynamics of the shrimp farming industry. She praised UVAS graduates for their technical expertise, practical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset that have made them valuable assets to the aquaculture industry.

The event concluded with Prof Dr Saima, Prof Dr Arshad Javid, and Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman presenting shields to the guest speakers and distributing certificates among the winners of the business idea competition.