PIMEC 2025: Pakistan Plans to Boost Maritime Sector, Blue Economy
Pakistan recently held its second International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC-25) in Karachi where it announced ambitious plans to expand its maritime sector and boost its blue economy. It is an initiative of the Pakistan Navy, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The country plans to invest a $100 billion in maritime development by expanding its national shipping fleet, building three new deep sea ports, adding a new shipyard at Gwadar, modernizing its fisheries, and upgrading maritime education. The plan called "Maritime @100" focuses on turning Pakistan into a regional maritime hub for trade, energy, food, and sustainability. It aims to increase the sector's GDP contribution from the current 0.4%-0.8% to 4% by 2047.
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| PIMEC 2025. Source: Lovin Karachi |
Pakistan has a 1,046 kilometers long coastline on the Arabian Sea with maritime sovereignty over 200 nautical miles deep Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and 150 nautical miles of Continental Shelf. This adds 290,000 square kilometers of sea or about 36% of the country's land area open for tapping vast resources in it.
Pakistan's "Blue Economy" in this extended economic zone includes seafood and energy resources as well as international trade connectivity with the rest of the world. It offers opportunities for water sports, recreation and tourism in the coastal areas of Pakistan. The country recently awarded licenses for 23 offshore exploration blocks to four consortiums led by local energy companies, some partnered with foreign firms including Turkey's national oil company TPAO. These blocks cover an area of 53,500 square kilometers.
PIMEC-25 attracted 178 exhibitors, including 28 international firms and 150 local organizations, alongside 133 international delegations representing 44 countries from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. Participants showcased a wide array of innovations, from uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) and drone jamming guns to advanced port technologies, showcasing Pakistan’s growing role in regional maritime trade.
Zarwah Enterprises, a startup led by Minahil Yousaf, Pakistan’s first female-led aquaculture company, demonstrated sustainable pond construction and shrimp farming solutions. AquaTech Fisheries, founded by Muhammad Kamran and Ahmad Hussain, presented innovative fish feed and aquaponics systems across Pakistan, including new farms in Punjab.
Woot Tech and Winged Innovative Solutions (WIS) rolled out remote-controlled drones and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) equipped with rotary cameras, designed for surveillance, mapping, and cloud seeding. WIS showcased an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) for deep-sea repairs and a portable jammer system for military use. These gadgets highlight how homegrown tech Karachi maritime solutions are supporting both commercial and naval operations.
The National Electronics Complex of Pakistan (NECOP) demonstrated the SAFRAH drone jamming gun, which can disable drones up to 1.5 km away for 40 minutes. NECOP also displayed a maritime logistics drone and the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), letting ships monitor multiple systems from a single control point. Another Pakistani defense firm revealed a 25-foot remote-controlled USV capable of traveling 30 km and running for up to five hours.
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Pakistan's Maritime Sector: Time to Shake Away Policy ...
Pakistan's maritime sector has vast potential due to its strategic location and extensive coastline, but it is currently underdeveloped, with challenges including poor infrastructure and an insufficient national shipping fleet. The sector includes traditional industries like fisheries and shipping, as well as emerging areas such as renewable energy, deep-sea mining, and aquaculture. Recent initiatives and a focus on technology, such as port modernization and the use of drones and AI, aim to boost growth, while government and private sector collaborations are seen as crucial for unlocking this potential.
Key sectors and opportunities
Maritime transport: Pakistan's major ports (Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar) are the backbone of its trade, but their effectiveness is hampered by infrastructure and operational issues.
Fisheries: A significant area with potential for both conventional fishing and aquaculture, which is attracting new investment and technology.
Emerging industries: Opportunities exist in deep-sea mining, renewable energy (like tidal and wind power), marine biotechnology, and offshore installations.
Shipbuilding and repair: The sector includes traditional shipbuilding, particularly of small vessels and dhows, though it needs government support to remain competitive.
Challenges
Underutilization of ports: Ports like Karachi, Qasim, and Gwadar are underutilized due to poor infrastructure, operational bottlenecks, and outdated facilities.
Lack of a strong national fleet: The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has a limited fleet, leading to a heavy reliance on foreign carriers and significant annual freight payments abroad.
Infrastructure and operational issues: A lack of private sector participation, inconsistent policies, and inefficiencies at ports contribute to slow growth.
Regional tensions: Geopolitical factors and regional tensions also influence the security and development of the maritime sector.
Recent developments and future outlook
Technology adoption: There is a growing focus on modern technology, including AI for surveillance, remote-controlled drones, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and integrated management systems.
Port modernization: Efforts are underway to modernize and develop the major ports, with Gwadar Port seen as a key potential hub under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Fleet expansion: The government is looking to increase the size of the PNSC fleet to reduce reliance on foreign shipping.
Public-private partnership: Recognizing the need for investment, the government is encouraging private sector participation and international collaboration to boost the sector's growth.
Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee approved Pakistan Petroleum Limited's (PPL.PSX), opens new tab request to assign part of its interest in the block to TPOC, Mari Energies (MARE.PSX), opens new tab and state-run Oil & Gas Development Co Ltd (OGDC.PSX), opens new tab, leaving PPL with a 35% stake.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/pakistan-clears-tpoc-led-consortium-operate-offshore-block-2025-11-18/
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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578126/turkish-firm-awarded-offshore-block
ISLAMABAD:
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Tuesday allowed a Turkish firm to operate an offshore exploration block and extended the licence period of the zone.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is the operator of the offshore block but it has failed to start work for the last four years. Consequently, the ECC permitted Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) to kick off work on the Eastern Offshore Block-C.
The ECC approved PPL's request for assigning participating interests in the block – a significant milestone in Pakistan's offshore exploration efforts. Under the new arrangement, the participating interests will be held by TPOC with a 25% share, PPL with 35%, Mari Energies with 20% and Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) with 20%.
This will bring international offshore operating experience to Pakistan's exploration landscape and is expected to enhance technical capabilities, operational efficiency and overall project delivery. The block contains drill-ready prospects, which will be pursued by the consortium.
The exploration well is expected to attract substantial foreign investment to Pakistan's offshore sector, reinforcing the government's commitment to deepening reliance on indigenous energy resources. In the event of success in drilling, additional opportunities in the area will be prioritised, ultimately contributing to Pakistan's resource base and long-term energy security.
This development aligns with the government's recent award of 23 offshore blocks to various exploration and production (E&P) companies, including the members of this consortium. With ECC's approval, the consortium is now set to advance preparations for drilling operations.
The proposals submitted to ECC for approval included extension in phase-II of the Eastern Offshore Indus Block-C by 36 months, effective from July 1, 2025 in accordance with Rule 26(1) of Offshore Rules 2023.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1359150-maersk-reaffirms-2bn-port-investment-in-pakistan
SLAMABAD: Global shipping giant Maersk has reaffirmed its $2 billion investment plan for Pakistan, signaling one of the country’s most significant prospective boosts to port and logistics infrastructure in recent years.
The investment centers on developing a new port at Gadani, Balochistan, alongside a modern shipping terminal and expanded warehousing and supply chain facilities. The initiative is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime capacity and enhance regional trade connectivity.
The plan builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024 between Pakistan and Denmark, under which Maersk committed to explore major investments in port modernization, integrated logistics hubs, maritime workforce development, sustainable ship recycling and greenshipping practices. Officials say these areas align with Pakistan’s broader goals of improving trade efficiency and meeting global environmental standards.
The reaffirmation came during a high-level meeting between a visiting delegation from APM Terminals, a Maersk subsidiary, and Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh. The delegation briefed the minister on the project’s progress and future expansion components.
Sheikh said the government was committed to fully facilitating international investors, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Ministry remain aligned on efforts to draw long-term foreign investment. He added that the Board of Investment is working to streamline procedures and reinforce policy support to accelerate major projects.
Describing the potential investment as “transformative” for Pakistan’s maritime sector, Sheikh said Gadani’s strategic location offers the most efficient route for transit trade with Central Asia, positioning Pakistan to become a more competitive regional logistics hub.
Petroleum is reclaiming land from the sea to create a launchpad to ramp up oil and gas exploration
The artificial island will come up about 30kms off the coast of the southern Sindh province, near Sujawal
https://x.com/faseehmangi/status/1991106775249244212?s=61&t=mgTxrmITUbpo9NntN5677Q
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The artificial island will come up about 30 kilometers (19 miles) off the coast of the southern Sindh province, near Sujawal, PPL's General Manager Exploration and Core Business Development, Arshad Palekar, said on the sidelines of an oil and gas conference in Islamabad
Pakistan to build an island to boost oil exploration
Construction will be completed in February, and operation will start immediately after
Last updated: November 19, 2025 | 18:54
https://gulfnews.com/business/energy/pakistan-to-build-an-artificial-island-to-boost-oil-exploration-1.500351983
Pakistan Petroleum Ltd., a state-owned energy company, is reclaiming land from the sea to create a launchpad to ramp up oil and gas exploration.
The artificial island will come up about 30 kilometres off the coast of the southern Sindh province, near Sujawal, PPL’s General Manager Exploration and Core Business Development, Arshad Palekar, said on the sidelines of an oil and gas conference in Islamabad. Planned with a height of six feet, the platform will prevent high tides from interrupting round the clock exploration work, he said.
Pakistan’s drilling efforts are gaining fresh momentum after US President Donald Trump indicated an interest in the country’s 'massive oil reserves' in a social media post in July. Since then, the country has awarded offshore exploration licenses to local companies PPL, Mari Energies Ltd. and Prime International Oil and Gas Co.
The project, a first for Pakistan, builds on Abu Dhabi’s experience, where artificial islands for drilling have been successfully built, Palekar said.
Construction of the island will be completed in February, and operation will start immediately after, according to Palekar. The company aims to drill around 25 wells.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/11/pakistan-navy-conducts-new-test-of-smash-ship-launched-anti-ship-ballistic-missile/
On November 25, 2025, the Pakistan Navy has carried out another test flight of its indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), locally designated as P-282 “SMASH”.
The event was observed by the Chief of the Naval Staff along with senior scientists and engineers involved in the program.
According to Pakistan Navy, the missile is designed to strike both maritime and land targets and is fitted with a modern guidance package that enables high-accuracy engagement and terminal maneuvering. While official specifications remain undisclosed, Pakistani sources indicate a range of approximately 350 km. The system is still in its development phase and is intended for national requirements rather than export.
This latest firing follows what Pakistani defense outlets have described as the first public test in November 2024. Although some regional reporting suggests the missile may have been test-fired two or three times in total, only limited details have been released. All known launches to date have been conducted from a Type 22P frigate, consistent with the Navy’s test pattern for the program.
Quwa, a defence analysis outlet that closely follows Pakistan’s military programmes, notes that SMASH is being developed within a wider naval modernisation effort aimed at expanding the Navy’s inventory of indigenous missile systems. Although early speculation likened the weapon to supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles such as the CM-302 or BrahMos, subsequent information has confirmed that SMASH is a ballistic missile designed for anti-ship use.
The missile’s external features and reported characteristics indicate a degree of commonality with the GIDS Fatah-II ballistic missile, implying that Pakistan may be applying a shared engineering approach across several new missile projects. The emergence of SMASH also aligns with Pakistan’s current emphasis on deploying guided ballistic missiles for conventional strike roles within its broader force-development strategy.
@FaseehMangi
Turkey Plans Drone Facility in Pakistan in Global Defense Push | Exclusive
Talks over the project have advanced recently, which would see Turkey export stealth and long-endurance drones to be put together in Pakistan
https://x.com/FaseehMangi/status/1996908814323613836?s=20
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Turkey Plans Drone Facility in Pakistan in Global Defense Push
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-05/turkey-plans-drone-facility-in-pakistan-in-global-defense-push
Turkey plans to set up a facility in Pakistan to assemble combat drones as part of its drive to boost its defense industry in international markets.
Talks over the project have advanced significantly since October, and would see Turkey export stealth and long-endurance drones to be put together in Pakistan.
The discussions are part of Turkey's efforts to grow its defense industry, which underpins President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ambitions to strengthen his influence in the Middle East and further afield.
Turkey plans to set up a facility in Pakistan to assemble combat drones, part of Ankara’s drive to boost its defense industry in international markets, according to Turkish officials familiar with the matter.
Talks over the project, which would see Turkey export stealth and long-endurance drones to be put together in Pakistan, have advanced significantly since October, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry declined to comment. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar didn’t respond to requests for a comment.
The discussions are part of Turkey’s efforts to grow its defense industry, a strategy that underpins President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ambitions to strengthen his influence in the Middle East and further afield. The country has announced deals this year including an order by Indonesia for fighter planes and has plans to supply more arms to Saudi Arabia and Syria.
Turkey’s defense exports increased 30% in the first 11 months of this year to a record $7.5 billion, Haluk Gorgun, who heads the presidency’s defense-industry body, said on Thursday.
Turkey has long-standing ties with Pakistan and is building corvette warships for its navy under a co-production deal, according to both countries. Turkey has upgraded dozens of Pakistan’s F-16s and now wants Islamabad to join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter program, the people said.
The talks to bolster Pakistan’s military capabilities come in the wake of a ceasefire with India following a four-day military clash between the nuclear-armed neighbors in May. Tensions are also high between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to a series of clashes, ever since Islamabad accused the Taliban of hosting militant groups that plan attacks on the country.
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/china-us-military-taiwan-war-us-leak-report-b2882501.html
The U.S. military is most likely to suffer a defeat at the hands of China if it tried to intervene in a war over Taiwan, a top secret Pentagon assessment report has found.
Pentagon war games simulating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan have shown that Beijing could cripple U.S. fighter squadrons, major warships, and even satellite networks before they deploy effectively, the highly classified document, “Overmatch Brief”, warned.
The document, prepared by the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment, shows America's reliance on advanced and expensive weapons makes it vulnerable to China's rapidly manufactured cheaper ones, reported the New York Times.
The report warned that China has developed the capacity to neutralise critical American assets at the outset of a conflict.
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The report notes that China could destroy many U.S. advanced weapons, such as aircraft carriers before they even reach Taiwan, using missiles amassed over the past 20 years.
In wargames simulating battlefield scenarios, even the latest U.S. Navy carrier is often not able to sustain an attack, the assessment said.
The report cited the example of America’s latest U.S.S Gerald R. Ford, built at a cost of $13 billion and deployed in 2022. Despite the new technologies, including more advanced nuclear reactors, the carrier would be unable to survive a Chinese attack.
The Ford, which would be effective if matched against weaker powers like Venezuela, is “fatally vulnerable to new forms of attack”, it said.
The report also drew from real-world examples as the war in Ukraine against Russia continues to test Western weaponry on the battlefield and the adversaries of America are learning of the shortcomings and strengths.
“The war in Ukraine demonstrated how vulnerable tanks have become,” it said.
The assessment also warned that the U.S. no longer has the industrial capacity to produce weapons and munitions at the speed and scale required for a prolonged conflict with a major power.
Washington is falling behind in rapidly developing advanced weapons compared to Beijing and Moscow as it “over-relies on expensive and vulnerable weapons”, it said.
Previously, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, said in the Pentagon’s war games against China, “we lose every time” and predicted that China’s hypersonic missiles could easily destroy aircraft carriers within minutes.
The U.S. is vulnerable because the missile stockpiles have already been strained by support for Israel and Ukraine, it said.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has previously cautioned that the U.S. would run out of key munitions quickly in a war with China.
Internal Pentagon assessments indicate that China now far surpasses the U.S. in nearly every category of cruise and ballistic missiles, even though both countries retain around 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
https://www.dawn.com/news/1961663
With the Ghazi’s launch, the ISPR hailed “another significant milestone” by the navy, where all four submarines being built in China are currently undergoing “rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan”.
“The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for [the] acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China and [the] remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW), under Transfer of Technology (ToT),” the ISPR said in a statement.
The military’s media wing added that the submarines will be fitted with advanced weaponry and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges.
“Hangor-class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the statement read, adding that the launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from China and Pakistan, exemplifying deepening bilateral cooperation.
The navy launched the first of the new submarines in April 2024, while the second and third were launched on March 15 and August 15 this year, respectively.
The submarine class, named after the PNS Hangor, is a diesel-electric attack submarine with air-independent propulsion technology, which allows it to travel over greater distances before resurfacing.
During the 1971 Pakistan-India war, the then-PNS Hangor became the first submarine to sink a warship after World War II, sinking an Indian frigate. After being decommissioned, the Hangor is now on display at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.
https://www.themaritimestandard.com/karachi-port-bulk-terminal-deal-signed-by-ad-ports-group/
Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), part of Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group, and Louis Dreyfus Company Pakistan (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of global agricultural goods merchant and processor Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), have signed a long-term commercial agreement to develop and operate a clean bulk handling and storage facility for agricultural goods at Karachi Port.
Under the agreement, KGTML will invest in the design and construction of a food-grade clean bulk facility, including a dedicated handling and conveyor system supported by essential infrastructure and utilities, to manage dry agricultural bulk cargo efficiently. LDC has committed to supplying inbound volumes of agricultural commodities to support the operation of the new facility.
The development is expected to enhance operational efficiency, shorten handling times and strengthen the resilience of Pakistan’s agricultural logistics network, supporting more reliable supply chains across the country.
Alongside KGTML, AD Ports Group is also developing, operating and managing the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) container terminal at Karachi Port. As such Pakistan remains a strategic pillar in AD Ports Group’s wider growth plans as the maritime gateway to Central Asia.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2627913/pakistan
The Chinese embassy cites strong growth in agricultural trade with Pakistan
Islamabad aims to expand food exports amid effort to boost foreign reserves
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China rose 24% year-on-year to $240 million in the first 11 months of 2025, the Chinese embassy in Islamabad said on Wednesday, highlighting growing agricultural trade between the two countries.
China is one of Pakistan’s largest seafood export markets, alongside destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and countries in the Middle East. Pakistan exports fish, shrimp and other marine products sourced from coastal areas in Balochistan and Sindh, including Gwadar, Pasni and Karachi, with shipments typically consisting of frozen fish, frozen shrimp and a smaller volume of processed seafood.
The figure cited by the Chinese embassy fits into a longer upward trend, supported by rising Chinese demand, improvements in cold-chain logistics and market access approvals for Pakistani exporters.
“Pakistan’s seafood exports to China hit [nearly] $240 million from Jan-Nov 2025, soaring by 24% compared with the same period in 2024, which fully shows the strong vitality of the agricultural trade between China & Pakistan,” the embassy said. “[China looks] forward to more export of high-quality Pakistani products to China in the future.”
China is Pakistan’s closest regional ally and a key destination for its agricultural and food exports, which Islamabad has been seeking to expand to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
The two countries enjoy strong strategic and economic cooperation, with Chinese support seen as vital to Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its export base beyond textiles and reduce reliance on external financing.
Beijing and Islamabad are also working closely on energy and infrastructure projects as part of broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity and support industrial development in Pakistan.