PAKISTAN'S QUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE MARITIME DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) prioritise the conservation of marine ecosystems, explicitly emphasising effective and efficient coastal management and blue economy as a new concept of sustainable economic development. While Pakistan has long been disregarding its maritime capabilities, being a country with a rich coastline, it has vast potential to utilise its advantageous geographical location for seaborne trade.  Pakistan needs a blue economy shift due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly development and proper management of available resources. The study explores Pakistan's current maritime resource utilisation, identifying challenges such as overfishing, outdated infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles. It emphasises the need for policy reforms, enhanced human resource capacity, and technological advancements. The significance of mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and private sector investment are pivotal for economic growth and ecological balance. To harness the blue economy potential sustainably, Pakistan must undertake policy reforms, strengthen its human resource capacity, and cooperate across sectors and with other countries.

Bibliography Entry

Babar, Dr. Summar Iqbal and Muhammad Danish Masood. 2024. "Pakistan's Quest for Sustainable Maritime Development." Strategic Thought (6): 125-138.