ISLAMABAD: A Chinese construction company has expressed interest in installing desalination plants at Pakistan’s Port Qasim to convert seawater into drinking water, the maritime affairs ministry said on Tuesday, amid Islamabad’s efforts to resolve its water crisis.
Pakistan has the fourth-highest rate of water consumption in the world. The country’s agriculture sector uses the most amount of freshwater than any other sector. Rainfall has steadily declined over the past few decades and experts have been warning for years the country will approach “absolute scarcity” of water by 2025.
The Chinese delegation met Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry in Islamabad to discuss joint investment between the two countries.
“One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the installation of desalination plants at Port Qasim,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in investing in facilities to convert seawater into potable water, an initiative that would address both industrial and domestic water needs.”
Chaudhry highlighted that the desalination plants would supply drinking water and support small industrial operations around the port.
He added that these proposals were a step toward resolving regional water issues that aligned with Pakistan’s climate resilience and environmental sustainability objectives.
“Pakistan’s maritime sector offers promising opportunities for foreign investment, particularly in areas such as port development, logistics, maritime tourism and blue economy ventures,” the ministry quoted Chaudhry as saying.
He encouraged the delegation to explore investment in maritime tourism, part of Pakistan’s economic diversification plan and also invited them to upcoming forums showcasing the country’s potential as a regional maritime hub.
The ministry added the delegation was ready to carry out feasibility studies and collaborate with local stakeholders to launch the project “promptly and effectively.”
“We see tremendous potential in contributing to Pakistan’s sustainable infrastructure goals,” the ministry quoted Wang Yaodong, the head of the Chinese delegation, as saying.
“Our company is committed to bringing advanced technologies and investment that can help improve living standards and support economic development.”
