KARACHI: Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said that the government is working to transform Karachi into a modern maritime hub by expanding port infrastructure, logistics and ocean-based economic activities including tourism.

“Karachi is not merely a port city; it is the heart of Pakistan’s maritime economy,” he said while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a new cruise coastal service on Tuesday.

He said that the city had the potential to serve as a hub for ports, logistics, tourism and the wider blue economy.

The minister said that Pakistan’s coastline along Sindh and Balochistan offered beaches, islands, fishing communities and maritime heritage. “The sector remains underdeveloped due to inadequate tourism infrastructure, limited cruise facilities, poor connectivity and growing environmental pressures,” he added.

The minister said that the introduction of cruise services could help bring domestic and international tourists to the coast while stimulating investment in hospitality, transport, recreation and related businesses.

Outlining the broader maritime vision, Mr Chaudhry said Karachi Port was being developed as a major transshipment hub.

“Ongoing projects include a maritime industrial complex, and facilities for shipbuilding and ship repair,” he said and added that ship recycling and industrial estates were also being promoted to strengthen linkages between maritime activities and the wider industrial economy.

The minister stressed that maritime development should not be viewed only through cargo handling and port operations. “Tourism and other ocean-based activities can generate employment, attract investment and diversify coastal economies,” he added.

He said improved safety standards, better connectivity and investment in tourism infrastructure would be needed to ensure that increased economic activity did not come at the expense of the marine environment.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026