Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi convened to explore the potential for cooperation between Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and the sports sector. The dialogue centered on broadening the role of ports beyond traditional trade and logistics to include initiatives in sports development, youth engagement, and environmental education.

According to Press Information Department, the minister expressed full support from maritime institutions for initiatives promoting sports, particularly in coastal regions. He emphasized the potential of ports and maritime zones as centers for national development, integrating education, sports, and environmental awareness. Under the blue economy vision, the minister proposed advancing sports development through public-private partnerships, establishing coastal sports academies, cricket training centers, and structured youth programs along the coastline.

Discussions also addressed linking sports activities with ocean literacy campaigns to tackle issues such as marine pollution and the protection of coastal ecosystems. Afridi supported the initiative, highlighting the effectiveness of sports in engaging youth and promoting environmental awareness. He noted the potential for sports tourism and grassroots cricket development, reviewing proposals for coastal sports and ocean awareness drives in Karachi, Gwadar, and other port cities. These initiatives aim to combine cricket tournaments with awareness sessions on marine conservation and sustainable ocean resource use.

The proposed framework would see maritime institutions providing infrastructure support, while sports organizations and private sector partners develop training and outreach programs. Both parties agreed to formulate a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen cooperation, aligning with Pakistan’s blue economy vision and fostering social cohesion and environmental consciousness through sports.