ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced plans to develop three to four newdeep-sea ports as part of a long-term maritime strategy aimed at boostingtrade, logistics, and regional connectivity, along with a backup andauxiliary naval stations. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs JunaidAnwar Chaudhry revealed this initiative recently, emphasizing its role inaddressing future capacity constraints at existing facilities like Karachi,Port Qasim, and Gwadar, which are projected to reach full operationallimits between 2035 and 2045 due to rising industrial and transit tradedemands.
The announcement aligns with the government’s “Maritime Century(2047-2147)” vision, which seeks to position Pakistan as a key hub in theNorth Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. New ports will incorporate green energysolutions, digital management systems, and environmental protections,including safeguards for mangroves and coastal ecosystems, to ensuresustainable development amid growing regional trade volumes.
A high-level committee has been formed to identify suitable coastal sites,comprising representatives from port authorities, federal ministries, andprovincial governments. This body will review hydrographic surveys,satellite imagery, and feasibility studies to recommend locations, with anemphasis on multimodal connectivity through road and rail links to supportthe China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and blue economy initiatives.
These deep-sea facilities are expected to handle larger vessels andincrease cargo throughput significantly, easing congestion at current portsand facilitating transit trade from Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond.The strategy also includes expanding the national shipping fleet andestablishing AI-enabled industrial complexes for shipbuilding andrecycling, underscoring a comprehensive approach to maritime growth.
Environmental considerations remain central, with the minister stressing abalance between economic expansion and ecological preservation. New portswill feature modern cargo handling and renewable energy integration,promoting efficiency while minimizing impact on marine habitats inPakistan’s 1,024-kilometer coastline.
Strategically, the expansion enhances Pakistan’s role in global shippingroutes, particularly in the Arabian Sea, where it aims to emerge as atransshipment hub. This development supports broader goals of doublingfisheries exports and achieving 100 percent green digital ports withenhanced regional cooperation for shared prosperity.
The initiative forms part of a $100 billion blue economy plan by 2047,including upgrades to maritime education and infrastructure. By planningahead for projected trade surges, Pakistan seeks to secure its economicfuture through resilient and forward-looking maritime policies.
Read Top Stories
Analysts note that these ports could provide operational depth in theArabian Sea, complementing existing naval capabilities and contributing tooverall maritime security amid evolving regional dynamics.
Implementation will involve phased development, with initial focus onfeasibility reports due within months. This proactive step reflectsPakistan’s commitment to transforming its maritime sector into a driver ofsustainable national progress.
Source: https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2627903/pakistan
Tags: Pakistan, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gwadar Port, Arabian Sea.
ogimageimage-name
