Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiative to convert barren lands into economic zones under shrimp farming projects has made significant progress, with multiple developments reported across key sites.
According to officials, work is moving rapidly on the plan to rehabilitate uncultivated land and transform it into productive economic zones, in line with the government’s broader “blue economy” strategy.
Notable progress has been achieved in shrimp farming infrastructure in Sargodha, Ali Wala, and Shahgarh. In Sargodha, excavation of 118 out of 126 ponds has been completed, while 92 percent of embankment construction is also finished.
Additionally, boring of 116 tube wells has been completed, and around 92 percent of the water supply system is near completion. Land clearing and surveying across 365 acres has been fully completed, while the total project spans 500 acres.
Infrastructure development, including roads and warehouses, is also progressing swiftly, with several components nearing completion. In Ali Wala shrimp estate, around 90 percent of the 1,267-acre area has been cleared, while excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed.
Work on the drainage system stands at 91 percent completion, while survey and clearing for the road network have also been finalized. At Shahgarh shrimp farm, water supply is 90 percent complete, electrification has reached 95 percent, and access road construction stands at 97 percent completion.
Officials said this is Pakistan’s first major government-led modern aquaculture and shrimp farming initiative, aimed at converting barren land into productive use, generating employment, and boosting exports.
Appreciating the pace of work, the chief minister commended the project teams and reiterated her vision to develop Punjab into a global hub for shrimp farming and aquaculture.