Before construction of the Karachi Fish Harbour, the landing facilities for marine catch were carried out at Ghas Bander on the Native Jetty outskirts of Karachi city in an unorganized manner and marine catch watch brought in the old city area for further sale. In consideration of situation and to facilitate fishermen, in the year 1959 the Federal Government constructed the Karachi Fish Harbour, with maximum facilities within harbour.Under the constitution of 1973 of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the fisheries became the Provincial subject and subsequently the Karachi Fish Harbour was handed over to the Sindh Government in 1974.A project to upgrade the Karachi Fish Harbour with the funding of 12 million ECU (European Currency Unit) was taken up by the Government. The execution of projects started in September 1988 and was completed in September 1992.

Fishery plays an important role in the national economy. It provides employment to about 300,000 fishermen directly. In addition, another 400,000 people are employed in ancillary industries. It is also a major source of export earning.