Govt to advance blue economy through key development initiatives

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2026) The government has allocated substantial resources in the Budget 2026-27 to accelerate the development of the blue economy through investments in maritime infrastructure, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy exploration and coastal tourism.

According to official data, the government would continue implementation of key Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects.

The projects include the Korangi Fish Harbour export infrastructure project with an allocation of Rs 1.048 billion, infrastructure upgradation at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) costing Rs 10.69 billion, and modernization of the Gadani shipbreaking industry with an outlay of Rs 12.9 billion.

The budget also envisages execution of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Fleet Development Plan aimed at expanding the national fleet capacity to as many as 30 vessels, strengthening the country's maritime transport capabilities.

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In the energy sector, efforts will continue for operationalization of offshore oil and gas exploration in 23 awarded blocks, while technical feasibility studies will be undertaken for offshore wind energy projects in the Sindh Wind Corridor and Hingol National Park Corridor.

To enhance fisheries output, the government plans to expand inland and coastal aquaculture through cluster-based coastal aquaculture projects in Sindh and Balochistan and promotion of shrimp and other high-value aquaculture activities in Punjab.

The initiative is aimed at increasing aquaculture's share in overall fish production and boosting seafood exports.

The budget also outlines measures for development of marine and coastal tourism, including the issuance of the country's first ferry service licence, improvement of coastal infrastructure by provincial governments and exploration of cruise and ferry linkages with Gulf countries.