Punjab Approves Rs3.98 Billion for Aquaculture Malls Across the Province

The Punjab government has approved Rs3.979 billion for the establishment of aquaculture malls across the province, in a move aimed at modernising the fisheries sector and expanding economic opportunities. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) on Friday.

The aquaculture mall allocation is one of 11 development projects approved by the forum, with a combined cost of Rs126.668 billion. The projects span multiple sectors, reflecting the provincial government's broader push to fund infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

According to officials, the aquaculture malls are intended to provide modernised production and marketing facilities for fish farmers and related businesses. Supporters of the plan say such facilities could improve supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses and help small producers reach larger markets.

Fisheries is a relatively small but growing segment of Punjab's economy, and authorities have increasingly looked to aquaculture as a way to diversify rural income and meet rising domestic demand for fish. The new facilities are expected to bring processing, storage and retail functions under one roof.

The approval comes as the province continues to process development schemes through the PDWP, the body responsible for vetting and clearing public-sector projects before they move toward implementation. Details on the locations and timelines for the aquaculture malls were not immediately available.

The Rs126.668 billion package approved on Friday includes the aquaculture initiative alongside the other cleared schemes, which together represent a significant round of provincial development spending.