Maritime Power of Pakistan – Prospects for Enhancing Economic Development

The maritime power of a state is an important constituent of its national power. Its main elements include ports, harbours and associated facilities, merchant fleet and allied services,fishing fleet and related industries, geographical position and extent of the coast, awareness of the population and government about the sea resources, and finally the military component for the protection of maritime assets. Pakistan, blessed with 990 km coast, has strategic location in the North Arabian Sea overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, the vital choke point from where 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. The aim of this article is to highlight the potential of the maritime sector and give suggestions for the best employment/ utilisation of maritime components to improve the economy of Pakistan.