Pakistan has received investment proposals worth $6-9 billion for major maritime projects, according to Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
The government aims to use rising shipping activity to strengthen Pakistan’s position as a long-term regional maritime hub. The investment pipeline covers several major projects. These include multipurpose cargo terminals, maritime industrial complexes, LNG and oil terminals, and container facilities.
“We are trying to turn the recent increase in shipping traffic into a long-term commercial advantage, not a temporary gain from the Strait of Hormuz disruptions,” the minister said.
He added that investors from several countries had shown interest in the proposed projects.
Hormuz Disruptions Boost Shipping Activity
The investment drive comes as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz reshape regional shipping patterns.
Pakistan’s location near the strategic waterway has helped divert some transshipment activity toward its ports. Consequently, the country’s maritime sector generated around Rs110 billion in profit during the fiscal year ended in June.
“Our message to shipping line is clear: Pakistan should not be a crisis-time alternative, it should be a permanent regional maritime hub,” Chaudhry said.
To support this goal, Pakistan has reduced transshipment charges at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
The government is also pursuing capital dredging projects to allow larger vessels to berth at its ports.
Pakistan Expands Port Capacity
According to the minister, authorities have reduced container dwell times to between 24 and 36 hours.
Transshipment volumes have also more than doubled in recent months. Meanwhile, Karachi Port improved its position in the global Container Port Performance Index from 99th to 69th.
Pakistan is also developing bunkering facilities, off-dock terminals and additional transshipment capacity.
These projects form part of the National Ports Master Plan and aim to strengthen maritime infrastructure for future regional trade.
Fisheries Strengthen Blue Economy
The government is also focusing on fisheries as an important part of Pakistan’s blue economy.
Seafood exports reached a record $568 million during the last fiscal year, according to Chaudhry. Pakistan now aims to increase fisheries exports to $1 billion.
To achieve that target, authorities are focusing on better traceability, technical upgrades, cold-chain investment and value-added seafood products.
The government also plans to expand access to international markets.
Together, these initiatives reflect Pakistan’s broader effort to convert temporary changes in regional shipping into sustained maritime growth and investment.
