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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured authorization to continue seafood exports to the United States for another four years, its maritime affairs minister said on Saturday, a decision expected to protect a key foreign exchange stream and bolster the country’s standing in the global seafood market.

The approval, granted by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), classified Pakistani fisheries as “comparable” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Officials said the recognition signals international acceptance of

Pakistan’s compliance with sustainability standards and comes as the country seeks to expand exports to the US, Europe and the Gulf.

“This classification confirms that Pakistan’s fisheries meet US standards for protecting marine mammals from incidental mortality and serious injury during fishing operations,” Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.

The MMPA requires fisheries exporting to the US to minimize marine mammal bycatch, adopt conservation practices and operate sustainably, measures that also support healthier marine ecosystems.

Pakistan submitted a compliance dossier to NOAA earlier this year, which the minister described as a “critical milestone.”

Pakistani seafood currently earns about $2 per kilogram in the global market. Officials project that with the endorsement of compliance, prices could rise and new markets could open.

In fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan exported 242,484 metric tons of fish and related products worth $489.2 million. The same volume next year could generate nearly $600 million if higher prices are achieved.

Chaudhry said the extension was vital to safeguard Pakistan’s multi-million-dollar seafood exports to the US while enhancing its reputation for sustainable fisheries management.

He cautioned, however, that continuous strengthening of protective measures for marine mammal populations, as recommended by NOAA, would be necessary to ensure long-term biodiversity and maintain access to the US market.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday a sweeping crackdown was underway against a “beggar mafia” accused of exploiting visas to solicit money in ����ֱ��, a practice officials warn is damaging the country’s image and could affect genuine visa-seekers, including religious pilgrims.

The practice has drawn complaints from Riyadh in the past, prompting the administration in Islamabad to direct the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take measures to curb the trend.

Last year, Pakistan said it had added more than 4,000 individuals accused of abusing visas for begging to a no-fly list.

“‎Mohsin Naqvi stated that a comprehensive crackdown is being carried out against the mafia involved in begging in ����ֱ��,” said a statement released after his meeting with the Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. “A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against the beggar mafia.”

During his visit to the Saudi embassy in Islamabad, the minister also praised Riyadh’s role in supporting Pakistan, including during the military standoff with India in May.

“����ֱ�� has always stood firmly by Pakistan both in times of war or peace, and the relations between Pakistan and ����ֱ�� have withstood every test,” he said.

The statement added the Saudi ambassador also described Pakistan as a “brotherly and friendly country,” adding that Riyadh attached great importance to the relationship.

Pakistanis make up the second-largest expatriate community in ����ֱ��, with more than 2.5 million living and working there.

The Kingdom is the top source of remittances for the South Asian nation, whose struggling economy relies heavily on foreign inflows.