Maritime economy to gain Rs100m boost, says minister

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has initiated a transformative project to modernise the Korangi Fish Harbour (KOFHA) with projections to generate over $100 million in direct and indirect economic activity over the next five years as part of its commitment to advancing the blue economy.

The initiative aims to revitalise and modernise the harbour through a series of strategic upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that this project is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs spanning construction, logistics, fish processing and the fishing sector, while enhancing seafood processing capacity by 50 per cent.

“This strategic move will make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan’s $375 billion GDP, strengthening the maritime economy and supporting long-term national growth,” the minister said.

Central to this transformation is the redesign of the fish auction hall, which will be upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities to improve efficiency, ensure transparency and elevate hygiene and handling standards, the minister noted.

He further added that the renovated hall will meet international food safety and export certification standards, paving the way for expanded global fish exports from Pakistan.

Chaudhry said that this major infrastructural leap will be the addition of a floating jetty, which will significantly enhance the operational capacity of the harbour.

The floating jetty will not only facilitate smoother docking and unloading processes but also cater to a larger volume of fishing vessels, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing vessel turnaround time. In addition, he informed that a comprehensive overhaul of the existing jetty infrastructure is also on the agenda. This includes strengthening the physical structure, improving accessibility and introducing technology-driven solutions to meet future maritime and fisheries needs.

The federal minister said the modernisation will incorporate sustainability-focused measures to protect marine biodiversity and ensure environmentally responsible operations at the harbour.

Chaudhry highlighted the critical role of the fisheries sector in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime economy and its substantial potential to drive national development.

The minister emphasised that revitalising KOFHA will significantly boost the maritime sector’s impact on the national GDP. “This effort aligns with our broader strategy to develop the blue economy. By upgrading critical maritime infrastructure such as the Korangi Fish Harbour, we are paving the way for sustainable economic development, increased employment opportunities and better living standards for our coastal populations,” he said.

The minister expected this initiative will stimulate investment across the fisheries value chain, enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the international seafood market, and encourage the sustainable and efficient use of marine resources.

The federal minister also reiterated the government’s dedication to extending similar development models to other harbours and fisheries across Pakistan.

“Korangi Fish Harbour will act as a blueprint for future projects. Our goal is to replicate its success nationwide, driving a comprehensive transformation of the fisheries sector,” he said.