(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Demand for domestic fish products has risen in western Herat province following the suspension of fish imports, particularly from Pakistan.

The move to halt foreign fish imports through Pakistan has given a boost to the local fish market, the provincial media office said in a statement.

Several fish farmers, quoted in the statement, said the decision has created opportunities for local production and increased sales of domestically farmed fish.

The statement added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's (IEA) decision to prevent foreign fish from entering the country has shifted market focus to domestic products and expanded the capacity of local farms to meet demand.

According to the provincial Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Department, there are currently 40 to 45 active fish farms in the province, with plans to establish additional farms near Pashdan Dam in cooperation with the private sector.

Previously, Afghanistan relied heavily on fish imports from Pakistan, and domestic production accounted for only a small share of the market.

This development follows Pakistan's unilateral closure of transit routes with Afghanistan along the Durand Line amid rising tensions. Subsequently, the IEA halted all trade with Pakistan.

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar urged industrialists and traders to explore alternative trade routes instead of relying on Pakistan.

He said Pakistan has repeatedly blocked trade routes, using commercial and humanitarian matters for political purposes, which has caused losses for traders and industrialists in both countries.

kk/sa

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