Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has formed a high-level, multi-agency committee to identify potential sites for new deep-sea ports along Pakistan’s extensive coastline. The initiative is part of the government’s “Hundred Years Vision 2047–2147,” aimed at preparing Pakistan for long-term maritime expansion and economic growth.
In an official statement on Thursday, the Minister said the 12-member committee will meet fortnightly and submit a comprehensive feasibility report within three months. The report will include technical analyses, hydrographic maps, satellite data, and investment recommendations for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The committee comprises representatives from the Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Surveyor General of Pakistan, Hydrographer of Pakistan, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan.
Minister Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan’s existing ports, including Port Qasim, Karachi Port, and Gwadar, are expected to reach full operational capacity between 2035 and 2045 due to increasing industrial activity, regional transit trade, and higher shipping volumes. He warned that the surge in cargo movement, particularly from Afghanistan, Central Asia, and transshipment traffic from the Gulf and East Africa, could lead to severe congestion at current ports.
Rapid coastal urbanization, tourism development, and expansion of private housing societies are further reducing available land for new maritime infrastructure. To address these challenges, Pakistan plans to establish three to four modern deep-sea ports featuring advanced cargo handling systems, green energy integration, and digital management technologies.
The Minister highlighted that the initiative will strengthen Pakistan’s industrial and trade infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Blue Economy projects, and position the country as a strategic maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region.
The committee’s work marks a critical step in Pakistan’s long-term maritime planning, ensuring that the country meets growing shipping demands while supporting sustainable economic development over the next century.
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