New body to identify sites for deep-sea ports

Minister envisions three new ports equipped with modern cargo facilities, digital systems

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has constituted a high-level, multi-agency committee to identify potential sites for establishing new deep-sea ports along Pakistan's extensive coastline, a move aimed at preparing the country for the next century of maritime expansion and economic transformation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister said the initiative forms part of his "Hundred Years Vision 2047-2147," unveiled during the National Maritime Week in Karachi earlier in November.

He announced that he would attend the first meeting of the 12-member committee scheduled for next week, marking the beginning of efforts to materialise the long-term vision of developing Port 1, Port 2 and Port 3 at strategic coastal locations.

To expedite the process, the committee will meet fortnightly and is tasked with submitting a comprehensive feasibility report including technical findings, hydrographic maps, satellite data and investment recommendations to the maritime ministry within three months.

Pakistan's coastline spans over 1,024 kilometres from Sir Creek in Sindh to Jiwani in Balochistan, encompassing an Exclusive Economic Zone of 240,000 square kilometres and a continental shelf of nearly 50,000 square kilometres. With the country's GDP projected to reach $1 trillion between 2030 and 2035, maritime trade and associated industries are expected to expand dramatically.

The minister noted that the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) currently operates at about 65% capacity, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) at 52% and Gwadar Port between 5% and 10%. Projections indicate that the three ports could reach full operational capacity between 2035 and 2045 due to growing industrial activity, regional transit trade and increased shipping volumes.

To address these challenges, the minister envisioned the establishment of three to four new deep-sea ports equipped with modern cargo handling, green energy integration and digital port management systems.