This is the story of Syed Ehsan Shah, a young man from Panjgur who made uncertainty a business idea, and the idea of a growing local venture, one fresh fish at a time.
Quetta, located among harsh 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 – along with Chapli Kababs, Kabuli Pulao and a rich selection of rice dishes.
Given this, the idea of a seafood output seems almost out of place. Still, a young entrepreneur from Panjgur has started something new – which brings the taste of the Makran coast to a locked town hundreds of miles away from the sea. In a place where fresh fish is rare and typically only seasonal, Makran Sea Food represents both innovation and a quiet culinary experiment in an attempt to redefine what Quetta’s food scene can offer.
On the busy Joint Road of Quetta, hidden between ordinary stores and tea hotels, cut a modest seafood shop quietly. It goes by the name “Makran Sea Food” and while today’s fresh fish can pull in customers, it is the story behind the counter that leaves a lasting impression.
From students to entrepreneur
Ehsan’s journey began as too many hard -working students in Balochistan. He was born and raised in Panjgur and pursued his education with dedication. After completing his matriculation in his hometown, he briefly moved to Quetta to acquire coaching and teaching before returning to Panjgur, where he completed his intermediate in prior construction from Government Degree College, Panjgur. He didn’t just pass with average brands he peaked in his district.
Encouraged by his academic success, Ehsan continued to earn a degree in a civil engineer from Khuzdar. With his qualification in his hand, he directed highly and sat for several competitive exams. But things did not unfold the way he had imagined. “After graduation, I showed up for various exams, but the possibilities for civilian engineers are far and few here,” Ehsan said, talking with calm clarity. “With a little financial support and no job opportunities, I realized I had to find another way forward.”
Taking the plunge
Ehsan’s family has long been involved in the seafood industry in Panjgur. “I thought, why not bring to Quetta what my family has done in Panjgur?” He said and remembered his brain wave. “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 set of financial and logistical challenges was not easy. Ehsan had no background in running a store. He entered unknown territory.
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“In the beginning, 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 push through.” These early months were filled with trial and error. Learning to source, store and sell seafood in a city hundreds of mile from the coast required a lot of patience and willingness to adapt. But little by little, the pieces started to fall into place.
A year in business
Today, over a year, since it first opened its shutters, Makran Sea Food has become a well -known stop for many seafood lovers in Quetta. The store offers fresh kingfish, shrimp and a variety of seasonal and local fish, delivered from coastal areas with care.
The business has remained stable and Ehsan is already thinking ahead. He plans to expand his offerings in addition to raw seafood by introducing prepared dishes such as grilled fish, seafood karahi and other local favorites.
“Right now we deliver fresh seafood, but I plan to introduce grilled seafood and karahi dishes to offer a more complete dining experience,” he shared. This step will not only attract walk-in customers but also help establish Makran Sea Food as a place where people can enjoy the taste of the coast in the heart of Quetta.
Ehsan knows he is still in the early stages. He has promoted the store through pages on social media, but admits that online engagement has not yet brought in significant traffic. “We haven’t received much attention there. We eventually build a site and change more to digital marketing, but so far the priority is to give quality and build trust,” he explained.
Become rooted
In a time when many young professionals from Balochistan strive to travel abroad for better opportunities, Ehsan made a completely different choice. “I didn’t want to go abroad for work or studies. 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 is not waiting for promises or programs. When asked if he expects support from the government, his answer is clear: “I do not expect anything from the government. The support and love of my people here is enough for me.”
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Ehsan’s story is one of confidence. He did not sign up for expensive entrepreneurial programs or sought large investors. He read what was available: his family’s experience, a small support network and a strong desire to do something of his own.
A clear vision
Although Makran Sea Food is still young, Ehsan is already thinking in the long term. He understands that success does not come overnight and that a slow, steady approach is more sustainable. “A clear strategy and vision are key,” he says. His current focus is on gradual expansion and adding value to his existing offering. He plans to hire staff in the future and intends to build a reputation based on reliability and quality.
He also hopes that the store will eventually become a small hub not only for seafood, but for society and conversation. “It’s not just about selling fish,” he says. “It’s about offering something valuable to the people here.”
A message to the youth
While Ehsan does not hit himself as a role model, his story quietly offers something to other young people on similar crossing. He did not wait for the perfect job or ideal circumstances. He started with what he knew. He built slowly, took help when it was offered, and continued to move on, even when the path was uncertain.
Take the first step, this is the message his journey sends. Whether in Panjgur, Khuzdar or Quetta, the first step may be small, but that may be what changes your life.
When Makran Sea Food continues to grow, it stands as more than just a seafood shop. It is a quiet reminder that building something meaningful does not require starting big, it just means taking the first step.
