In a bold move to recalibrate its maritime narrative, Pakistan is launching Pakistani projects and port and shipping initiatives that are Saudi-based and designed to make the country a maritime logistics hub, linking the Gulf, Central Asia, and China. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs released an array of plans to build new gateway terminals and open new shipping lines, along with ship recycling yards on August 3rd, that signal to the rest of the world that Pakistan intends to capitalize on its geopolitical position at the mouth of the Arabian Sea.
Strategic Positioning: The Bridge between Continents
Pakistan’s geographical position puts the country at the center of major international trade routes. Combined with the ports of Karachi, Port Qasim, and the deep-sea port of Gwadar, Pakistan’s ports would be able to serve as primary nodes in facilitating the development of intermodal transport corridors. These plans would enable the efficient flow of goods between the energy-rich Gulf countries and the manufacturing hub of China and give access to Central Asian countries that do not have direct seaports or a coastline.
Upcoming Major Initiatives
The initiatives include and are being led by Muhammad Jawad Akhtar, technical adviser for maritime affairs:
- Karachi and Gwadar–KSA Gateway Terminals: New terminals to process the anticipated increased flow of trade between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Enhancing the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Fleet: Collaborating with Saudi partners to expand shipping capacity.
- Direct Shipping Routes: Introduction of new direct shipping routes from Karachi to Jeddah and from Gwadar to Dammam to reduce time and facilitate cargo.
- Green Ship Recycling Yards: The development of 20 green ship recycling yards at Gaddani promotes an environmentally conscious ship recycling business.
These initiatives fit into a much broader plan to link Pakistan’s ports and trading networks with rail, road, and air. The modernization project on the railway of ML-1 is the long-held wish to renovate the 150-year-old main railway spine of Pakistan from Karachi to Peshawar, which is intended to boost freight and passenger capacity and efficiency all around.
A Comprehensive Approach for Development
Knowing that these projects are complicated, Pakistan has set up a team with officials from different areas, like maritime, communications, railways, and defense, to find important projects, secure international funding, and carry out the planned developments on time.
In its talks, the communications ministry highlighted that its main focus is to install fiber optic cables next to railway tracks, grow submarine cable networks, and speed up building the M-6 motorway (part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)), which will help improve road transport connections. The improvements to infrastructure are expected to enhance existing road systems and facilitate trade with an increased flow of traffic.
Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Practices
In keeping with global trends in sustainability, Pakistan is also adopting green solutions within the maritime sector. Eco-friendly ship recycling yards at Gaddani indicate that Pakistan is taking a stand to do its part to reduce environmental impacts and to practice added responsibilities of ship dismantling in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Future
As Pakistan is establishing itself as a central bridge linking the Gulf, Central Asia, and China, the successful development and execution of these projects will improve its economic status and presence in regional trade perspectives. Pakistan’s willingness to develop infrastructure and partnerships with strategically located countries and capitals aims to build itself into a player in global maritime logistics.
With the support of Saudi Arabia and in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan has begun to set into motion an unprecedented era in its maritime history. In the immediate coming years, it remains to be seen how this will impact Pakistan’s ability to compete and build on its regional and global trade networks.
