Gwadar Being Developed as Long-Term Economic Platform, Says Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s coastal and maritime regions, particularly in Balochistan, can play a decisive role in strengthening the national economy, adding that Gwadar is being developed as a long-term economic platform.

Addressing a meeting on the Blue Economy, the planning minister said Pakistan has immense potential for economic growth through its blue economy, but despite having a coastline of nearly 1,000 kilometers and vast maritime zones, the country has yet to fully utilize these resources.

He stated that Gwadar and Karachi ports are being developed to enhance trade connectivity with Central Asia. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the focus should not be limited to fishing alone, but should also include processing, branding, and marketing. He noted that many countries have successfully turned their maritime resources into a key pillar of economic growth by effectively leveraging the blue economy.

The minister said that Balochistan’s coastal areas have the potential to make a decisive contribution to Pakistan’s economy. He added that the Ministry of Planning has prepared infrastructure frameworks for maritime sector projects and is working to promote Gwadar as a sustainable, long-term economic hub.

Highlighting sectoral opportunities, Ahsan Iqbal said that value addition in fisheries and aquaculture could significantly boost the national economy. He also noted that efforts are underway to explore the potential of the blue economy in the tourism sector.

The planning minister pointed out that the blue economy currently contributes only about one percent to Pakistan’s GDP. He said an integrated and solution-oriented strategy is being adopted for all maritime projects, and under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the blue economy has been designated as a strategic pillar of national development.