Govt forms committee to identify sites for new deep-sea ports

November 13, 2025 (MLN):  The government has constituted a multi-agency committee to identify potential sites for new deep-sea ports along Pakistan’s coastline under the “Hundred Years Vision 2047–2147,” a long-term plan to drive maritime expansion and economic transformation.

The committee’s first meeting, to be chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, will be held next week to initiate work on developing Port 1, Port 2, and Port 3 at strategic coastal locations, said a press release issued.

Comprising 12 members, the committee includes representatives from the Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Surveyor General of Pakistan, Hydrographer of Pakistan, and the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan.

 It will meet fortnightly and submit a comprehensive feasibility report within three months.

The body has been tasked with reviewing hydrographic surveys, satellite data, and technical studies to identify viable locations for new ports, port cities, shipyards, and energy hubs.

It will also evaluate environmental conditions, logistics connectivity, industrial linkages, and investment models to recommend a phased roadmap for port development.

Pakistan’s 1,024-kilometer coastline stretching from Sir Creek in Sindh to Jiwani in Balochistan includes an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 240,000 square kilometers and a continental shelf of nearly 50,000 square kilometers.

With GDP projected to approach $1 trillion between 2030 and 2035, maritime trade and related industries are expected to grow substantially.

Currently, Port Qasim operates at 65% capacity, Karachi Port Trust at 52%, and Gwadar Port between 5% and 10%.

Forecasts suggest all three could reach full capacity between 2035 and 2045 amid rising industrial output, regional trade, and shipping volumes.

The minister cautioned that increasing cargo traffic from Afghanistan, Central Asian states, and transshipment from the Gulf and East Africa could lead to congestion at existing ports.

 He also noted that rapid coastal urbanization, tourism projects, and private housing developments were further limiting suitable land for future maritime infrastructure.

To address these challenges, the government envisions establishing three to four new deep-sea ports equipped with modern cargo handling systems, renewable energy integration, and digital port management technologies.

The initiative seeks to align Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure with industrial expansion, enhance regional connectivity through CPEC and Blue Economy corridors, and position the country as a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region.

“The next century belongs to the oceans,” Chaudhry said. “Pakistan must plan today for the ports, trade routes, and maritime industries of tomorrow.”

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