Govt plans to turn Karachi into maritime hub: maritime affairs minister

Karachi, Pakistan's port city and a key player in the nation's maritime economy, is set to be transformed into a modern maritime hub, according to the country's Maritime Affairs Minister, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Speaking at the inauguration of a new cruise coastal service, Chaudhry highlighted the potential of Karachi to serve as a hub for ports, logistics, tourism, and the broader blue economy.

Pakistan's Sindh and Balochistan coastlines boast beaches, islands, fishing communities, and maritime heritage. However, the sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient tourism infrastructure, limited cruise facilities, poor connectivity, and mounting environmental pressures, Chaudhry pointed out. He believes that introducing cruise services could attract both domestic and international tourists to the coast, driving growth in hospitality, transport, recreation, and related industries.

The minister outlined Pakistan's broader maritime vision, which includes developing Karachi Port as a major transshipment hub. Ongoing projects entail establishing a maritime industrial complex, facilities for shipbuilding and ship repair, and ship recycling operations. Chaudhry emphasized that maritime development should extend beyond cargo handling and port operations, stressing that tourism and ocean-based activities can generate employment, attract investment, and diversify coastal economies.

To ensure that increased economic activity does not compromise the marine environment, Chaudhry stressed the importance of improved safety standards, better connectivity, and investment in tourism infrastructure.