ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called the blue economy a “game changer” and Pakistan’s “new economic frontier,” while unveiling a bold maritime vision at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025). He urged national synergy to unlock its immense potential and transform Pakistan into a regional maritime hub.
Lauding the strategic leadership of Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Maritime Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the premier underlined the Pakistan Navy’s pivotal role in regional peace, national defence, and maritime cooperation. He hailed initiatives like the AMAN Exercise, which draws over 50 nations, as a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to international maritime law and peace.
“Shehbaz Sharif stressed that with over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and strategic sea access, Pakistan must aggressively tap into the trillion-dollar global blue economy — even a fraction of which could transform the national economy.”
The government’s long-term “Maritime at 100” Vision, aiming to make the sector a $100 billion industry by 2047, includes:
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Rs88 billion fisheries sector reforms
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Rs12 billion revival of the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard
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Four new vessels for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC)
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Establishment of a Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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Creation of a central Maritime Complaint Cell for transparency
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Dredging projects at Port Qasim
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Development of a multi-modal logistics corridor from Gwadar
Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, reinforced that oceans offer vast untapped economic potential and vital trade routes — particularly for CPEC, which links Pakistan to China and Central Asia through Karachi and Gwadar.
Strengthening Strategic Ties: PM Meets UAE Delegation
Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif met a high-level UAE delegation led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, signing an MoU on government performance enhancement and knowledge exchange. The PM praised the UAE’s modern governance model, expressing interest in replicating aspects like digitalisation, paperless systems, and Customs reform.
The agreement covers cooperation in governance, urban planning, HR development, and science & technology. UAE officials reaffirmed deep ties with Pakistan and valued the Pakistani community’s contribution to the Gulf state.
Solidarity with Iran, Reforms at Home: PM’s Expansive Agenda
Reaffirming Pakistan’s regional stance, the Prime Minister expressed strong solidarity with Iran during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, condemning Israeli aggression and supporting Iran at the UN Security Council. PM Shehbaz called Israel’s actions a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
He also presided over a review of IT training initiatives, directing the formulation of modern programs to develop a skilled youth workforce and position Pakistan as a regional IT hub. A sustainable ICT ecosystem, he noted, would help generate foreign exchange and raise standards for local tech companies.
Curbing Tax Harassment: PM Orders Oversight on FBR Arrest Powers
Addressing media reports on taxpayer arrests, PM Shehbaz issued strict instructions to prevent misuse of arrest clauses under FBR laws, forming a special committee to ensure oversight. He emphasized that:
“Respect for the business community is paramount. No unjust harassment will be tolerated.”
He insisted arrests should be reserved only for extraordinary tax default cases, with legal protections and checks included in the Finance Act.
World Day to Combat Desertification: PM Calls for Urgent Action
On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, PM Shehbaz called for accelerated efforts to restore degraded land and bolster climate resilience, aligning with the 2025 theme: “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities.”
Highlighting challenges like deforestation, waterlogging, and urbanisation, the PM stressed Pakistan’s commitment to:
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The Green Pakistan Programme (2.2 billion trees planted)
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Implementation of the National Climate Change Policy
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Defending Pakistan’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty
He warned that India’s unilateral actions to sideline the Treaty pose a threat to the 240 million Pakistanis dependent on the Indus system.
“Land is a national asset — central to food security, biodiversity, and livelihoods. We must act now to secure it for future generations.”
