Islamabad: In a significant push towards enhancing sustainable maritime governance, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has outlined a robust agenda to foster the blue economy as a cornerstone for the nation’s future economic stability and environmental sustainability.

According to Press Information Department, speaking at the 4th International Maritime Symposium in Islamabad, Minister Iqbal underscored the critical importance of tackling the challenges of climate change and marine pollution to harness the full potential of Pakistan’s sea-based resources. The symposium, which was held on October 9, 2024, and organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs in collaboration with Bahria University, brought together international experts to discuss strategies for integrating maritime governance with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Minister Iqbal highlighted how nations like China, Malaysia, and Turkey have reaped considerable benefits by prioritizing maritime resources and suggested that Pakistan could follow a similar path through strategic planning and international cooperation. He emphasized that addressing key issues such as marine pollution and climate change is essential not only for environmental health but also for creating job opportunities and ensuring food security in Pakistan.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering sustainable maritime practices and strengthening collaborations with other developing countries. He also stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability to achieve a resilient economy.

Highlighting the role of the symposium as a platform for knowledge exchange, Minister Iqbal announced that Pakistan would host the upcoming meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, focusing on expanding economic cooperation and increasing exports to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.