Four modern facilities to be set up as existing ports will reach full capacity by 2040
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has planned to set up four new seaports along its coastline to boost economic activity as the government realises that the country’s existing ports will reach their full capacity by 2035-40.
Chairing a multi-agency committee meeting on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stressed the need for balancing economic growth with robust environmental protection while developing new deep-sea ports.
He noted that such ports were essential to accommodate growing industrial activity, regional transit trade and rising shipping volumes.
The minister underscored the importance of developing small, business-model ports alongside major ports to ease pressure on the existing facilities and called on all stakeholders to work together in preparing for the next century of maritime expansion and economic transformation.
At the meeting, attended by representatives from 10 relevant organisations including Ministry of Maritime Affairs Technical Adviser Jawad Akhtar, the minister was briefed on the committee’s performance, site identification factors, study processes and methodology.
The participants outlined an assessment framework for the new ports, including a technical feasibility, analysis of natural depth, marine access and coastal conditions to determine operational suitability and long-term viability of each site.
Land availability and future expansion potential were also examined 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.