This is the story of Syed Ehsan Shah, a young man from Panjgur, who turned uncertainty into a business idea, and that idea into a growing local business, one fresh fish at a time.
Quetta, nestled between rugged mountains and high plains, is a city known for its slow-cooked meat dishes. A trip to Quetta is incomplete without soft naans, sajji and rosh – marinated lamb or mutton – as well as chapli kababs, Kabuli pulao and a rich variety of rice dishes.
In these conditions, the idea of a seafood sales outlet seems almost out of place. Yet a young entrepreneur from Panjgur has started something new: bringing the taste of the Makran coast to a landlocked town hundreds of kilometers from the sea. In a place where fresh fish is rare and usually seasonal, Makran Sea Food represents both innovation and a leisurely dining experience, in an attempt to redefine what Quetta’s culinary scene can offer.
On Quetta’s bustling Common Road, nestled between general stores and tea hotels, a modest seafood store is quietly carving out its space. It goes by the name “Makran Sea Food” and while the fresh catch of the day may attract customers, it’s the story behind the counter that leaves a lasting impression.
From student to entrepreneur
Ehsan’s journey began in the same way as that of many hard-working students in Balochistan. Born and raised in Panjgur, he pursued his studies with dedication. After completing his studies in his hometown, he moved briefly to Quetta to acquire coaching and tuition, before returning to Panjgur, where he completed his intermediate in pre-engineering from Government Degree College, Panjgur. He not only got average grades, he also came first in his district.
Encouraged by his academic success, Ehsan obtained a degree in civil engineering from Khuzdar. With his diploma in hand, he aims high and takes part in several competitions. But things didn’t turn out the way he had imagined. “After graduation, I appeared for various exams, but opportunities for civil engineers are rare here,” Ehsan said, speaking with calm clarity. “With little financial support and no job prospects, I realized I had to find another path.”
Take the plunge
Ehsan’s family has been involved in the seafood business in Panjgur for a long time. “I thought, why not bring to Quetta what my family did in Panjgur?” he said, remembering his brainwave. “We’ve been selling seafood for years and I thought it could work here too.”
Starting a business in a city like Quetta, with its own economic and logistical challenges, was not easy. Ehsan had no experience running a store. He was entering unknown territory.
Read: Work in progress on two fishing ports
“At first I didn’t know exactly what to do,” he admitted. “But with the support of a few close people, emotionally, financially and logistically, I managed to get through it.” Those first few months were filled with trial and error. Learning to source, store and sell seafood in a city hundreds of miles from the coast required a lot of patience and a willingness to adapt. But little by little, the pieces began to fall into place.
A year in business
Today, more than a year after its opening, Makran Sea Food has become a known stop for many seafood lovers in Quetta. The shop offers fresh trevally, shrimp and a variety of seasonal and local fish, delivered with care from coastal areas.
Business has remained stable and Ehsan is already thinking about the future. It plans to expand its offerings beyond raw seafood by introducing prepared meals such as grilled fish, seafood karahi and other local favorites.
“At the moment we provide fresh seafood, but I plan to introduce grilled seafood and karahi dishes to provide a more complete dining experience,” he explained. This move will not only attract walk-in customers but also help make Makran Sea Food a place where people can enjoy the taste of the coast in the heart of Quetta.
Ehsan knows he’s only just getting started. He promotes the store on social media, but admits that online engagement has yet to generate significant traffic. “We haven’t received much attention there. We’ll eventually build a website and move more into digital marketing, but for now the priority is delivering quality and building trust,” he explained.
Stay Rooted
At a time when many young professionals from Balochistan aspire to go abroad for better opportunities, Ehsan made a completely different choice. “I didn’t want to go abroad to work or study. I’m happy here, in my country,” he says simply. “I want to build something here in Quetta and give back to my community.”
He expects no promises or programs. When asked if he expects support from the government, his response is clear: “I don’t expect anything from the government. The support and love of my people here is enough for me.”
Learn more: Tide against fishermen
Ehsan’s story is one of self-reliance. He didn’t enroll in expensive entrepreneurship programs or seek out big investors. He relied on what was available: his family’s experience, a small support network, and a strong desire to do something on his own.
A clear vision
Even though Makran Sea Food is still young, Ehsan is already thinking long term. He understands that success doesn’t come overnight and that a slow and steady approach is more sustainable. “A clear strategy and vision are essential,” he says. It is currently focused on gradual expansion and adding value to its existing offerings. He plans to hire more staff in the future and intends to build a reputation based on reliability and quality.
He also hopes that over time the store will become a small hub, not only for seafood, but also for community and conversation. “It’s not just about selling fish,” he says. “It’s about offering something valuable to the people here.”
A message to youth
Although Ehsan doesn’t present himself as a role model, his story offers something to other young people finding themselves at the same crossroads. He didn’t wait for the perfect job or the ideal circumstances. He started with what he knew. He built slowly, accepted help when it was offered, and kept moving forward even when the path was uncertain.
Take the first step, that’s the message his journey sends. Whether you are in Panjgur, Khuzdar or Quetta, this first step may be small, but it could be the one that changes your life.
As Makran Sea Food continues to grow, it’s more than just a seafood store. It’s a quiet reminder that to build something meaningful, you don’t have to start big, it just means taking the first step.
