Korangi harbour to make $100m in 5 years
Fishing boats seen anchored at the Karachi Fish Harbour following the ban imposed on coastal activities ahead of cyclonic storm Biparjoy over the Arabian Sea. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI / EXPRESS
Listen to article
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched an ambitious project to modernise Korangi Fish Harbour (KOFHA), aiming to generate over $100 million in direct and indirect economic activity over the next five years. The initiative, spearheaded by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to unlock the potential of the blue economy.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the project will revitalise KOFHA through strategic infrastructure upgrades, aimed at increasing seafood exports, creating jobs, and improving operational efficiency. The minister said the initiative is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs across construction, logistics, fish processing and fishing-related services, while enhancing seafood processing capacity by 50%.
"This strategic move will make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan's $375 billion GDP, strengthening the maritime economy and supporting long-term national growth," Chaudhry said.
A central feature of the project is the complete redesign of the fish auction hall, which will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance efficiency, hygiene, and transparency. The upgraded hall will comply with international food safety standards and export certification protocols, facilitating increased global seafood trade.
The minister also announced the addition of a floating jetty to the harbour's infrastructure, which will improve vessel handling, reduce turnaround time, and support a higher volume of fishing activity. This will be complemented by a comprehensive overhaul of the existing jetty, incorporating technology-driven solutions and accessibility improvements.
Sustainability is a key component of the project. The upgrades will include environmentally responsible practices to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term viability of the fisheries sector.
Chaudhry said that upgrading the Korangi Fish Harbour into a model fisheries hub is a strategic step toward economic transformation. "This is not just an infrastructure upgrade it represents a pledge to unlock Pakistan's full maritime potential," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Minister orders removal of encroachments from port lands
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, directed immediate removal of encroachments from port lands. He also ordered the formation of a joint force to protect port property from illegal occupation and misuse. The Federal Minister was chairing a high-level progress review meeting on Monday to assess and accelerate ongoing land reform initiatives at the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The meeting brought together senior officials to evaluate current progress, discuss key strategies, and identify coordinated solutions to long-standing issues of land encroachment and underutilization at the two major seaports. During the meeting, the Federal Minister underscored the strategic importance of safeguarding and developing ports land for sustainable economic growth and investment. He suggested both PQA and KPT to form a joint anti-encroachment force with the mandate to secure and protect the property of both ports from illegal occupation and misuse. The Minister emphasized that this dedicated force should operate with full authority and coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure effective on-ground enforcement. 'The maritime sector is a critical pillar of Pakistan's economic framework. We cannot allow valuable portland, which holds tremendous economic potential, to remain encroached or underutilized,' said Minister Chaudhry. 'It is imperative that both PQA and KPT work together to enforce land protection measures, implement digital transparency, and enable private sector investment through proper planning and legal frameworks.' Management of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) briefed the Minister on the ongoing initiatives being undertaken as part of a new comprehensive master plan. This master plan will include the regularization and optimal use of leftover pockets of land, reclaimed areas, and currently non-utilized plots. These spaces are intended to be repurposed for high-value investment, commercial use, and strategic infrastructure development aligned with national economic priorities. PQA also plans to launch a digital land automation system, a dedicated module designed to improve transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency in land management, officials informed the meeting. This system will be fully integrated with the PQA Port ERP, allowing seamless data synchronization, secure digital record-keeping and real-time decision-making. The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) management also presented their updates and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issue of encroachment on port land. The KPT officials informed the Federal Minister that enforcement actions are already underway and that the Trust is closely collaborating with the Survey of Pakistan, which is actively conducting a detailed land demarcation survey to accurately identify and map the boundaries of KPT land holdings. This demarcation exercise is expected to pave the way for stronger legal action against encroachments and provide a foundation for more informed land-use planning. Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reiterated the urgency of translating planning into tangible results. The Minister also expressed his resolve to personally oversee the progress of these initiatives and announced that monthly review meetings will be held to monitor implementation and resolve inter-agency bottlenecks. He urged all maritime stakeholders to align their activities with the national vision of sustainable port development and economic resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
First Eid train departs from Karachi
Passengers board an Eid special train with their luggage at Karachi Cantt Station. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS With Eidul Azha around the corner, Pakistan Railways flagged off its first special train from Karachi Cantt Station to Lahore on Monday, sending hundreds of homebound passengers on their way with smiles and suitcases in tow. The emotional pull of reuniting with loved ones lit up weary faces as passengers boarded amid a flurry of activity. According to railway officials, the first special train comprises one business class coach, one AC standard coach, eight economy class coaches, and one power van, accommodating around 700 passengers. The train will make scheduled stops at nine major stations during its journey: Hyderabad, Rohri, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan, Sahiwal, Okara and Kot Lakhpat. Passengers, expressing delight, said the journey offered them a long-awaited opportunity to visit their native towns and meet relatives, describing it as a "blessing after a long time". The divisional superintendent (DS) of Pakistan Railways Karachi Division, Mehmood-ur-Rehman Lakho, visited the platform to inspect the travel arrangements aboard the special train. He said more special trains will be dispatched in the coming days to facilitate as many travellers as possible during the Eid holidays. Meanwhile, the federal government has announced a major Eid relief, setting a special discount on train fares for the three days of Eidul Azha. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, speaking to the media, confirmed that Pakistan Railways will operate five special Eid trains to accommodate the holiday rush. He also reiterated the government's commitment to upholding all agreements made with the media. Abbasi said Pakistan Railways had achieved notable progress in its 77-year history, particularly over the last eleven months. "Railways has performed exceptionally well during this period," he added. The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to generate revenue from leased railway properties and said that Royal Palm is being outsourced in line with the prime minister's vision. "The bidding process will be transparent, and all bids will be opened publicly," he said.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Haripur's youth sparks digital uplift
At only 25, Hassan Nisar emerges as one of the most prominent youth voices in Pakistan's digital transformation. PHOTO: EXPRESS A young tech leader from Haripur is spearheading a grassroots revolution in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, empowering thousands of young Pakistanis through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. At only 25, Hassan Nisar has emerged as one of the most prominent youth voices in Pakistan's digital transformation. Hailing from the scenic town of Khanpur in Haripur district, Hassan is the founder of Metrix Pakistan - a non-profit organisation that has rapidly grown into a major catalyst for tech education and economic inclusion across K-P's underserved areas. Having completed his early education in Abbottabad and earned a degree in Economics from the University of Haripur, Hassan's journey reflects both a personal and professional commitment to his roots. "There's immense potential in K-P's youth - we just needed to unlock it," he shared. Launched in 2022, Metrix Pakistan was born out of a desire to bridge the digital divide. In less than three years, the initiative has brought practical training in digital skills, freelancing, and entrepreneurship to thousands of students across the province - many from remote or marginalised communities. "Our goal wasn't just to educate, but to prepare students for real-world opportunities," Hassan said. "We've trained young people to develop portfolios, work on live projects, and land internships or jobs in Pakistan and beyond." Crucially, the organisation has focused on regions often overlooked by mainstream initiatives. From Lower Dir to Mansehra, Metrix Pakistan has hosted summits and workshops in districts that rarely see such activity, creating local access to global knowledge. But Hassan's efforts extend beyond education. He's brought major global tech players into the fold, with companies like Binance, Bitget, CoinEx, and even Microsoft participating in Metrix Pakistan-led events and mentorship programmes. These collaborations have introduced emerging fields like blockchain and Web3 to youth in K-P - industries previously inaccessible to most in the region. "There was a time when the idea of global companies engaging in K-P was unthinkable. Now, they're not just participating - they're investing," Hassan said. Dozens of students trained under Metrix Pakistan have already entered the blockchain workforce, secured freelance contracts, or launched early-stage ventures. "We've shown that with the right platform, youth in K-P can compete at the global level," he added. Outside the digital sphere, Hassan has also led environmental and health initiatives. His discovery of hidden waterfalls in Haripur turned into a sustainable tourism push, generating local jobs and boosting the economy. Additionally, his team has conducted free health camps in rural K-P, addressing basic healthcare gaps in neglected areas. Recognising his contributions, various civil society organisations and government departments have honoured him with accolades including the Fakhre Hazara Award and a regional recognition award for youth empowerment. More recently, Hassan launched the Metrix Pakistan Climate Change Summit series, engaging young people in climate activism. "The climate crisis is real, and our youth want to be part of the solution," he emphasised. Hassan has also advised provincial and federal authorities on youth engagement, digital empowerment, and social platforms, working closely with departments in both Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. A key part of his advocacy has focused on combating misinformation and digital harassment. Through strategic partnerships and platform outreach, Hassan has helped numerous women in Pakistan report and remove fake accounts used for impersonation or harassment.
