The Blue Economy and Pakistan's Maritime Strategy in the Indian Ocean: From Geopolitical Potential to Geoeconomic Security

Abstract

Pakistan is blessed with large geographical area on the northern part of the Arabian Sea, around 1,050-kilometre coastline, extensive maritime jurisdiction and close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz which make Pakistan have a significant maritime potential. But it is not geography that makes an economy valuable, it makes opportunity. This paper reviews the progress Pakistan has made in making its position on the Indian Ocean a geoeconomic shield. It adopts a qualitative-dominant mixed methods case study approach to combine peer-reviewed scholarly and official information about ports, shipping, fisheries and Gwadar. The evidence reveals an unbalanced maritime economy. In FY 2024-25, Karachi Port and Port Qasim imported 3.654 million TEUs and exported 99.256 million tonnes of cargo. In July-March FY2026, Pakistan National Shipping Corp. (PNSC) operated 13 vessels carrying 996,683 dead weight tonnes and fisheries output in the period stood at 642,180 tonnes and exports valued at US$405.1 million in the same period of FY2025-26. But fisheries generated just 0.30 per cent of GDP and the national fleet was small while the throughput of Gwadar was relatively small as compared to other ports. The study notes that no maritime power can be sustained by port building and its strategic positioning. Efficient logistics, sustainable fisheries, commercially disciplined shipping, marine spatial planning, coastal inclusion, environmental protection and reliable statistics are the requirements for Pakistan. The maritime geography can be turned into trade security, jobs, foreign exchange and regional influence, through a phased strategy, grounded on productivity, ecological resilience and legitimacy at the local level.The blue economy is a term that has gained significant traction in Pakistan in recent years, particularly in the context of the country's maritime strategy for its development. “Blue economy” is a term that has become more common than ever in Pakistan in recent years, especially in the maritime strategy context for developing the country.