‘Modernization of Pakistan’s maritime industry depends on strategic investment’

KARACHI: Ateeq Ur Rehman, Economic and Financial Analyst, has said that the modernization of Pakistan’s maritime industry and the expansion of its blue economy depend heavily on strategic investment in port infrastructure a sector that has unfortunately been overlooked in past for its development efforts.

One of the longstanding issues Pakistan faces is port congestion, which causes significant delays and raises operational costs.

To address this, we should advocate for the development of smaller scale “Mini Deep Sea Ports” across the country. These facilities, when linked to major ports via a national logistics grid, could greatly ease congestion, improve cargo flow, and enhance maritime trade efficiency.

Mini Deep Sea Ports are vital not only for the smooth functioning of the port system but also for supporting regional economies, facilitating trade with neighboring countries and landlocked regions, and diversifying Pakistan’s shipping routes.

In addition to easing congestion, Mini Deep Sea Ports would contribute significantly to local economic development.

They would create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and support both imports and exports on a localized scale. However, developing these Mini Deep Sea Ports will require substantial investment in infrastructure, including, dredging / berthing facilities, storage areas, and connecting roads.

Prioritizing port infrastructure upgrades, streamlining customs procedures, and revitalizing maritime operations is not just beneficial, but essential for the country’s economic resurgence.

Although recent years have seen some progress in the improvement of major ports, the sector still demands much more attention.

We need greater collaboration with multilateral and bilateral partners and emphasizes the need for robust foreign direct investment (FDI). Investments are particularly needed for enhancing general harbor facilities such as development of dredging, expanding berths, and increasing storage capacities to enable ports to handle larger vessels, including mother ships, and to manage higher volumes of containerized and break bulk cargo.

I am greatly encouraged that the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has initiated a new era of maritime development.

The decision to establish a high level committee for identifying locations for three new deep sea ports reflects a long term vision that deserves appreciation.

Highly appreciate CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah for his actively pursuing the development of a New Deep Mini Sea Port and Mini Fish Harbor at Keti Bandar further to boost maritime trade, relieve shipping pressure on Karachi, and uplift the coastal economy of Sindh.

He emphasize that the Private sector involvement can be particularly rewarding.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026