PM Pakistan Shehbaz Shahrif Unveils ‘Blue Economy’ Vision at PIMEC 2025

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled Pakistan’s ambitious Maritime Vision during the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), declaring the blue economy a “game-changer” for the country’s future economic growth.

Addressing key stakeholders in Islamabad, the premier called for coordinated public-private sector efforts, strategic investment, and a shift toward innovation to harness Pakistan’s untapped maritime potential.

Pakistan, with over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and proximity to major shipping routes, holds strategic maritime value. The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s annual coastal trade already exceeds $7 billion, stressing the vast potential for growth through port development, ship recycling, and maritime logistics.

“Even tapping a small percentage of the global blue economy can reshape Pakistan’s economic landscape,” Sharif remarked.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry introduced the government’s long-term initiative titled ‘Maritime at 100’, aiming to turn the maritime sector into a $100 billion industry by Pakistan’s centennial in 2047.

Three major policy frameworks are nearing completion:

• National Maritime Policy
• National Shipping Policy
• National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy

These will provide a regulatory foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and investor confidence in Pakistan’s maritime domain.

Key Announcements to Power Sectoral Growth

The minister revealed a number of initiatives, including:

* Creation of a Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry
* Establishment of a Maritime Complaint Cell for transparency
* Rs12 billion federal investment to revive the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard
* Acquisition of four new ships for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation
* Expansion of Port Qasim dredging operations
* Development of a Gwadar multi-modal logistics corridor

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization Council (Category C) in December 2025.

Zohair Naseer, CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, revealed that PIMEC 2025 will take place from November 3–6 at Karachi Expo Centre, featuring a top-tier maritime conference, B2B networking events, and an international exhibition.

Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan of the Pakistan Navy said oceans are no longer viewed solely as defense frontiers but as key drivers of global trade, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

He pointed out that CPEC and Pakistan’s sea access to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and China offer unique regional advantages, stating:

“PIMEC marks a critical step in integrating Pakistan into the global maritime economy.”

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