Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at transforming Pakistan’s maritime sector, including the establishment of three new ports and the construction of a state-of-the-art integrated maritime complex.

Addressing a ceremony held as part of Pakistan Maritime Week, the minister unveiled a five-point strategy for the development of the country’s maritime industry, with the goal of positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global blue economy.

He said that within the next three years, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) fleet will expand to 60 vessels, while work has already begun on a Rs12 billion project in Gadani.

Chaudhry added that an educational fund has been established for the children of port community workers.

He emphasised that the government aims to raise the maritime sector’s contribution to the national GDP to 4 per cent, significantly boosting Pakistan’s economic growth.