- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stressed balancing economic growth with robust environmental protections in developing new deep-sea ports along coastline.
Chairing a high-level, multi-agency committee meeting on developing new deep-sea ports along Pakistan’s extensive coastline, the minister stressed that such ports are essential to accommodate growing industrial activity, regional transit trade, and rising shipping volumes, said a press release.
Junaid Chaudhry stressed the importance of developing small, business-model ports alongside major ports to ease pressure on existing facilities, and called on all stakeholders to work together in preparing for the next century of maritime expansion and economic transformation in the national interest.
The meeting, attended by representatives from 10 relevant organizations including Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ Technical Advisor, Jawad Akhtar, briefed the minister on the committee’s performance, site identification factors, study processes, and methodology.
Participants outlined an assessment framework for Port 1, Port 2, and Port 3, focusing on technical feasibility. This included analysis of natural depth, marine access, and coastal conditions to determine operational suitability and long-term viability of each site.
The framework also examined land availability and future expansion potential, along with environmental sensitivity. Key considerations included the presence of mangroves, protected areas, and potential impacts on local communities and livelihoods to ensure environmentally responsible development.
In addition, participants assessed hinterland connectivity through road, rail, and logistics networks, as well as the overall economic and strategic value of each port. This covered trade facilitation, regional development, and redundancy, while also identifying risks and constraints across environmental, technical, security, and regulatory domains.
The committee is advancing the maritime minister’s long-term vision under the Hundred Years Vision 2047-2147 to develop three to four new deep-sea ports at strategic coastal locations, equipped with modern cargo handling, green energy integration, and digital port management systems.
It has started work on a comprehensive feasibility report, with technical findings, hydrographic maps, satellite data, and investment recommendations, for submission to the Maritime Ministry.
Pakistan’s coastline stretches over 1,000 kilometers from Sir Creek in Sindh to Jiwani in Balochistan, encompassing an Exclusive Economic Zone of 240,000 square kilometers and a continental shelf of nearly 50,000 square kilometers.
With GDP projected to hit $1 trillion between 2030 and 2035, maritime trade and related industries are set for dramatic growth. Projections show Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port reaching full capacity between 2035 and 2045.