Ziarat Pir Hassan Shah Island to Be Developed as Eco-Tourism Hub Near Karachi
The federal government has announced plans to transform Ziarat Pir Hassan Shah Island, located off the Karachi coast, into a modern eco-tourism hub aimed at boosting sustainable development and coastal economic activity. The announcement was made by Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, who outlined an ambitious vision for the island’s future.
According to the minister, a comprehensive eco-friendly tourism project will be launched on Ziarat Pir Hassan Shah Island, focusing on nature-based tourism, sports, and lifestyle facilities. The initiative is expected to attract significant private and public investment while ensuring environmental protection remains a core priority.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the development project is likely to bring in billions of rupees in investment, with more than Rs 1 billion earmarked specifically for initial infrastructure and development work on the island. He added that the project reflects the government’s broader strategy to unlock the economic potential of Pakistan’s coastal belt.
One of the most significant aspects of the plan is improved connectivity. The island will be linked to Karachi’s District East through a dedicated road network, making access easier for tourists, investors, and local residents. Officials believe that improved accessibility will play a key role in turning the island into a viable tourism destination.
The minister emphasized that better access would also translate into employment opportunities for nearby communities. From construction and transport to hospitality and recreational services, the project is expected to generate new jobs and support local livelihoods, contributing directly to economic growth in the region.
Environmental sustainability, he assured, will remain central to the development plan. The project will follow eco-friendly principles designed to protect the fragile coastal and marine ecosystem. Authorities aim to balance tourism development with conservation, ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the initiative as part of a long-term vision to convert Pakistan’s coastline into an economic engine. He said projects like Ziarat Pir Hassan Shah Island highlight the country’s potential to benefit from the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for growth, employment, and environmental health.
The island’s transformation into an eco-tourism hub is expected to include recreational facilities, sports activities, and lifestyle-oriented infrastructure, all designed to attract both domestic and international visitors. Officials believe that such projects can diversify Pakistan’s tourism offerings beyond traditional destinations.
As planning moves forward, stakeholders from both the public and private sectors are expected to be engaged to ensure smooth execution. The government hopes that Ziarat Pir Hassan Shah Island will emerge as a model for sustainable coastal development, setting a benchmark for future eco-tourism initiatives across the country.
