The federal government plans to develop Ziarat Hassan Shah Island near Karachi into a modern eco-friendly tourist destination with major public investment and private-sector partnerships.
Government Unveils Vision for Island Tourism Near Karachi
The federal government has announced a plan to transform Ziarat Hassan Shah Island, located off the coast of Karachi, into a modern, eco-friendly tourist destination. The initiative aims to tap into Pakistan’s largely underused coastal potential while creating new options for domestic and international travellers.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry shared details of the project while speaking to the media. He said the proposed development will be designed around sustainable tourism, with a strong focus on protecting the marine ecosystem, coastal landscape and local livelihoods.
Ziarat Hassan Shah Island sits within reach of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial centre. Turning it into a managed tourism zone, the minister said, could give residents and visitors a new leisure destination close to the city, similar to island attractions available in other coastal countries.
Over Rs 1 Billion in Public Spending and Private Investment
According to the maritime affairs minister, the federal government expects to spend more than Rs 1 billion on core infrastructure and initial development at Ziarat Hassan Shah Island. This public investment is intended to unlock much larger sums from private investors who are expected to finance hotels, resorts, recreational facilities and related services.
Chaudhry said the project has been structured to attract billions of rupees in private-sector participation, with opportunities for both local and international investors. The government’s role will be to provide essential infrastructure, regulatory clarity and environmental safeguards, while the private sector will be encouraged to bring in capital, expertise and innovation.
Officials expect the development to follow a phased model, starting with basic access, utilities and safety measures, followed by tourism facilities such as viewing points, picnic areas, eco-lodges and water-based activities managed under strict guidelines.
Road Link to Karachi’s District East to Improve Access
A key part of the plan is to improve physical connectivity between the island and the city. The minister said Ziarat Hassan Shah Island will be connected to Karachi’s District East by road, significantly improving access for visitors, workers and service providers.
Better connectivity is expected to reduce travel time, make the island more attractive for day trips and weekend visits, and support the smooth movement of goods and construction materials during the development phase. In the long term, a reliable transport link will also be important for emergency services and maintenance operations.
Urban planners and tourism experts are likely to pay close attention to how the road link is designed, given the need to balance convenience with environmental considerations along the coast. Proper planning will be critical to avoid congestion, uncontrolled sprawl or damage to sensitive coastal areas.
Jobs, Blue Economy Growth and Environmental Protection
The federal government is presenting the project as a flagship initiative for Pakistan’s blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, jobs and ecosystem health. Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the development of Ziarat Hassan Shah Island will set a new benchmark for how Pakistan plans and manages coastal tourism.
The project is expected to generate employment opportunities for people in and around Karachi, including jobs in construction, transport, hospitality, security, maintenance and tourism services. Over time, small businesses such as tour operators, food outlets, craft sellers and activity providers could also benefit from increased visitor traffic.
At the same time, the minister stressed that environmental protection will remain a central pillar of the project. Plans are expected to include measures to regulate visitor numbers, control waste, preserve marine life and avoid overbuilding. Authorities have indicated that environmental impact assessments and modern coastal management practices will guide long-term decision-making.
If executed as promised, the development of Ziarat Hassan Shah Island could become a showcase for eco-tourism in Pakistan, providing a model for future projects along the country’s coastline. For now, the announcement signals the government’s intention to bring private investment, job creation and environmental responsibility together under a single, high-profile blue economy initiative.
