Minister announces project to transform island into eco-tourism hub

KARACHI: Ministry of Maritime Affairs has started taking concrete steps toward unlocking the potential of the dormant blue economy, planning to transform a little-known island near Karachi into the country’s premier coastal destination.

Vowing to transform the country’s coastal belt into an economic engine, the federal Maritime minister announced to start an eco-tourism project with Rs 1.5 billion initial investment to transform Ziarat Hassan Shah Island, located near Karachi, into a comprehensive eco-tourism hub.

He said that the island would be developed into a modern tourist destination, focusing on eco-friendly, sports, and lifestyle tourism, marking a significant step toward harnessing Pakistan’s coastal potential.

Chaudhry informed that the initial phase of the project was estimated to cost around Rs 1.5 billion, and the island would be connected to Karachi’s Eastern Zone via land route, ensuring easy accessibility for tourists and visitors, which was expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

The development plan prioritised environmental sustainability alongside tourism growth, he said, and added that protection of the coastal environment would be ensured throughout the project’s implementation.

“Environmental responsibility is essential along with tourism development,” the minister said, highlighting the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.

The comprehensive tourism plan will incorporate eco-friendly infrastructure, sports facilities, and lifestyle amenities, transforming the island into a diverse tourist attraction that caters to various interests and demographics.

Positioning the initiative within Pakistan’s broader maritime strategy, the minister declared that the country’s coastal belt will be transformed into an economic engine, describing Ziarat Hassan Shah Island as a new model for blue economy development in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026