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

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the government is aiming to make Karachi a modern sea trade centre by upgrading port facilities, logistics and ocean-linked business, including tourism. Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of a new coastal cruise service on Tuesday, he described the city as more than a port and called it the central pillar of the country's sea-linked economy. Dawn reported that he saw Karachi as a potential focal point for shipping, goods movement, leisure travel and the wider blue economy.

Pakistan's coastline along Sindh and Balochistan includes beaches, islands, fishing villages and maritime heritage, yet he argued the sector is held back by weak tourism infrastructure, few cruise options, poor connectivity and rising environmental pressure. He said cruise services could draw visitors from within the country and abroad, while encouraging spending in hospitality, transport and recreation.

On the port side, Karachi Port is being built into a major transshipment point, with a maritime industrial complex, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities under development. Ship recycling and industrial estates are also being promoted to connect maritime activity with the wider industrial economy. Chaudhry added that tourism and other ocean-based activity could create jobs, attract capital and diversify coastal economies, and that better safety standards, connectivity and tourism infrastructure would be needed so that growth does not harm the marine environment.