Govt eyes blue economy growth alongside heritage protection

February 09, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is moving toward a coordinated national strategy to safeguard its maritime heritage while expanding the blue economy, with emphasizing the importance of conservation, research and sustainable coastal development in the face of climate and environmental risks.

The direction was highlighted during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, where both leaders reviewed ongoing initiatives and discussed a framework for sustained inter-ministerial collaboration to protect and promote the country’s maritime legacy.

According to Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, policy alignment, research cooperation and conservation planning were central to the talks, aimed at ensuring maritime heritage is documented, protected from degradation and integrated into broader national development strategies.

He noted that Pakistan’s more than 1,000-kilometre coastline along the Arabian Sea has historically linked South Asia with the wider Indian Ocean, leaving behind historic ports, navigational routes, shipwrecks, lighthouses and fishing communities that remain under-documented and increasingly vulnerable.

He stressed that development and preservation can advance together through careful planning and cooperation.

The minister highlighted that Pakistan’s ports and sea routes have long served as centers of regional trade and cultural exchange, producing both tangible heritage  such as historic ports and underwater archaeological sites and intangible traditions including fishing practices and coastal community knowledge.

He warned that coastal erosion, climate change, unregulated development and illegal salvaging pose growing threats, particularly to underwater cultural assets, according to a press release issued.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi echoed the call for joint efforts, stressing the role of cultural institutions, museums and research bodies in documenting and interpreting maritime history.

He said his ministry would work closely with maritime authorities to map heritage sites along the coast, support archaeological surveys and promote public awareness through exhibitions, curricula and community engagement.

Both ministers also discussed exploring the establishment of a joint working group to coordinate policies, share data and develop project proposals.

Potential areas of cooperation include protecting historic ports and lighthouses, documenting traditional boat-building techniques, preserving underwater archaeological sites and promoting responsible maritime tourism.

The discussions further highlighted the need to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks to prevent damage to heritage sites, including stricter controls on coastal development and improved monitoring of underwater assets.

Capacity-building for local authorities and collaboration with universities and international partners were identified as critical to sustaining conservation efforts.

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs said attracting youth, scholars and tourists to maritime affairs would remain a priority, adding that highlighting maritime heritage could inspire careers in marine sciences, shipping, fisheries and port management while strengthening public understanding of the blue economy.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to translate policy discussions into actionable plans, signaling a more integrated national approach to preserving Pakistan’s maritime heritage for future generations.

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