Pakistan's vast coastline and maritime borders remain largely underexploited, contributing only 1% to GDP, a shortfall that Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal described as a missed opportunity for sustainable economic development.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on the blue economy, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal argued that the country's more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline could serve as a catalyst for long-term prosperity. Despite these natural advantages, he said, their economic promise has yet to be fully realised.

The minister pointed to ongoing upgrades at Gwadar and Karachi ports aimed at enhancing trade connectivity with Central Asia. Yet he cautioned that port development alone would not suffice. The emphasis, he suggested, must shift from traditional fishing towards higher-value activities such as processing, branding and marketing marine products.

Globally, many nations have embedded maritime industries into their core development frameworks, leveraging ocean resources to bolster national income. Pakistan, he maintained, should adopt a similar approach.

In particular, the coastal belt of Balochistan could play what he termed a 'decisive role' in advancing economic fortunes. The Planning Ministry has therefore prioritised infrastructure related to maritime sector projects, positioning Gwadar as a long-term commercial hub.

Beyond fisheries, Prof. Iqbal identified aquaculture and blue tourism as sectors with considerable scope for value addition. Expanding these areas, he indicated, would raise output and diversify revenue streams linked to ocean-based industries.

At present, activities related to ports and transport account for just 1% of gross domestic product. To address this modest contribution, he said an 'integrated and solution-focused strategy' is being implemented across maritime initiatives.

Concluding the session, the minister affirmed that ocean-driven development has been in Corporated as a strategic pillar under the 'Uraan Pakistan' vision, underscoring a renewed policy focus on maritime-led growth as a pathway to sustainable economic expansion.