KARACHI: Pakistan is considering the use of satellite-based monitoring systems to support port expansion, maritime safety and environmental protection, the maritime affairs minister said during a visit to the national space agency on Wednesday.
The move comes as Islamabad seeks to modernise its ports and position itself as a regional transshipment hub, offering access to the Arabian Sea for trade linked to Central Asia and other landlocked markets.
Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said advanced satellite technologies could improve oversight of sea lanes, strengthen port planning and help authorities respond more effectively to environmental risks.
He was briefed on satellite-based tools used to identify suitable locations for new port infrastructure, monitor vessel movement and support disaster response operations at sea.
Officials from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) outlined the use of high-resolution imagery, artificial intelligence and digital modelling to track cargo flows, detect oil spills and assess coastal environmental conditions.
The minister said climate-related challenges such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion and extreme weather events had increased the need for data-driven maritime management and closer coordination between technical and regulatory institutions.
SUPARCO officials said the agency was prepared to develop artificial intelligence-based systems to support port operations, customs efficiency and emergency response mechanisms.
The ministry and SUPARCO are expected to move toward a structured framework to formalise cooperation on joint maritime and space-based initiatives, officials said.
