By aligning with the global blue economy, Sindh can transform its maritime resources into sustainable economic growth, ecological stability, and strategic influence.
By Ramesh Raja
Sindh, with its strategic location along the Arabian Sea, has historically been a hub of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and economic activity. Its coastline stretches from Karachi to the Indus Delta, encompassing important geographical features such as Manora Peninsula, Bundal Island, Kharo Creek, Sir Creek, and Keti Bandar. These natural formations have not only shaped the region’s ecology but have also provided opportunities for ports, fisheries, and trade that continue to fuel Sindh’s economy.
Oceans, Seas, and Regional Connections
Globally, there are five major oceans; Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic; covering 71% of Earth’s surface. Sindh lies along the Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean, linking it to critical international maritime routes. Other regional seas in the Indian Ocean include the Red Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, Laccadive Sea, and Java Sea. These waters have historically enabled Sindhi merchants to trade with Arabia, East Africa, and South-East Asia.
Legal Framework and Maritime Rights
Under UNCLOS (1982):
- Territorial Sea (0–12 nm): Full sovereignty; foreign ships may pass under “innocent passage” rules.
- Contiguous Zone (12–24 nm): Limited coastal control over customs, immigration, and pollution.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, 12–200 nm): Coastal states control resource exploitation; foreign ships can navigate freely but need licenses for fishing, drilling, or mining.
- High Seas (>200 nm): Open to all, governed by international law.
Ships passing through Sindh’s waters do not pay passage fees, except for port services or resource usage.
Geography and Water-Land Ratio
The Earth’s total surface is approximately 510 million km², with 71% covered by water and 29% by land. This underscores the dominance of oceans and seas in shaping global climate, trade, and human settlement. Sindh’s coastal belt, though modest compared to the global oceans, holds significant strategic and economic importance. The region’s creeks, bays, lagoons, and deltaic channels serve as natural harbors, fishing grounds, and ecological buffers. Sindh’s major coastal features include:
- Manora Peninsula: Protects Karachi Harbour and serves as a natural breakwater.
- Karachi Harbour: A natural bay, forming the economic lifeline of Pakistan.
- Bundal Island: Part of the Indus Delta, with strategic potential for maritime development.
- Kharo and Sir Creeks: Tidal waterways separating Sindh from India, rich in mangroves and fishery resources.
- Indus Delta: A complex network of tidal channels, lagoons, and wetlands supporting biodiversity and fisheries.
Historical Maritime Trade
Sindh has a rich maritime heritage:
- Ancient ports such as Debal, Lahari Bandar, and Barbarikon were central to trade with Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Roman world.
- Greek and Arab travelers recorded Sindh’s navigable delta and vibrant commerce.
- Riverine trade via the Indus River connected inland cities like Sukkur, Rohri, and Kotri to the sea, enabling export of cotton, grains, and textiles.
- Sindhi Hindus before partition operated private shipping companies, contributing to regional trade across the Indian Ocean.
- Poetry by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai reflects Sindh’s seafaring culture, highlighting the historical significance of maritime activity.
Documented descriptions trade across history
- From Greek Accounts (Indus & the Sea – 4th century BCE): When Alexander the Great reached the Indus in 325 BCE, his admiral Nearchus sailed from the Indus Delta to the Persian Gulf. Greek writers recorded: “The Indus is the greatest of rivers flowing into the Erythraean Sea (Arabian Sea), and from its mouths ships sail outward to distant lands.” This confirms that even in ancient times, Sindh’s delta was a navigable maritime outlet connecting South Asia with the Middle East.
- From the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st Century CE): This Greek maritime guide describes ports along the Sindh coast: “At the mouth of the river Sinthus (Indus) lies Barbarikon, a port of trade where are brought grain, cotton cloth, and spices; and from where merchants sail to Arabia.” “Barbarikon” is generally identified with an ancient port near modern Karachi/Indus Delta, showing Sindh’s active Indian Ocean trade network.
3. From the Chach Nama (8th Century): The chronicle refers to Debal (near Karachi) as: “Debal, a city of merchants, whose ships were seen anchored in the sea, trading with the lands beyond.” This indicates Debal was an established maritime commercial center before and during the Arab conquest of Sindh.
4. From Arab Geographers (9th–10th Century): The Arab traveler Al-Masudi wrote: “From the ports of Sind sail ships to Oman and Basra, laden with rice, textiles, and indigo.” This reflects Sindh’s integration into the Islamic world’s maritime trade system.
5. Riverine Trade – Indus Inland Navigation: British colonial records of the 19th century describe the Indus as: “A noble highway of commerce, where steamers and country boats carried wheat, cotton, and timber from Sukkur and Rohri down to Karachi.” Before railways expanded, the Indus River connected inland Sindh (Sukkur, Kotri, Rohri) directly to the sea.
6. Cultural Reference – Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (18th century): References to sailors and merchants appear frequently: “The seafarers raise their sails, trusting the winds of the great sea, seeking trade and fortune in distant lands.” Though poetic, it reflects a living maritime culture among Sindhi traders.
Economic Importance of Sindh’s Seas
Seas and oceans are the lifelines of Sindh’s economy:
a) Trade & Ports:
o Karachi Port and Port Qasim handle the majority of Pakistan’s imports and exports.
o Approximately 90% of Pakistan’s international trade moves by sea.
b) Fisheries & Aquaculture:
o Coastal communities depend on the Indus Delta and Arabian Sea for protein-rich seafood.
o Fisheries contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually in revenue.
c) Energy Resources:
o Offshore oil and gas exploration is ongoing along Sindh’s coastline.
o Potential for renewable energy through offshore wind and tidal projects.
d) Marine Industries:
o Shipbuilding, repairs, and shipbreaking at Gadani, Balochistan, provide employment and industrial growth.
Strategic and Security Significance
Sindh’s coastal waters are vital for national defense and sovereignty:
- Naval bases in Karachi safeguard maritime borders.
- Access to the Arabian Sea gives Pakistan geopolitical leverage along global trade routes.
- Creeks like Sir Creek are strategically important for border control and resource management.
Environmental and Social Importance
- Ecological Services: Mangroves, lagoons, and tidal wetlands support biodiversity and mitigate floods and storms.
- Climate Regulation: Coastal waters influence rainfall and temperature patterns.
- Society & Culture: Millions rely on the sea for employment, tourism, and cultural practices. Beaches like Hawksbay and Sandspit attract local and international visitors.
Global Maritime Transportation
- Maritime transport dominates global cargo movement (80–90% by tonnage).
- Road (7–10%) and rail (5–7%) handle regional trade.
- Air (<1%) is mainly for high-value goods.
- Sindh’s ports are thus central to national and regional connectivity.
The Blue Economy: Global Trends and Sindh’s Opportunity
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. Globally, countries are focusing on:
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to prevent overfishing.
- Renewable offshore energy such as wind, wave, and tidal power.
- Marine biotechnology for pharmaceuticals and industrial products.
- Maritime tourism and eco-tourism.
- Pollution control and marine conservation to protect ecosystems.
Sindh can leverage these global trends by:
- Expanding sustainable fisheries in the Indus Delta and offshore areas.
- Developing renewable energy projects along the coast (wind, tidal, and solar-maritime hybrid systems).
3. Promoting maritime tourism at Karachi beaches, islands, and historical ports.
4. Enhancing port infrastructure and shipbuilding industries at Karachi and Keti Bandar.
5. Strengthening environmental laws and marine monitoring to ensure clean and productive seas.
6. Encouraging research and innovation in marine biotechnology and aquaculture.
By aligning with the global blue economy, Sindh can transform its maritime resources into sustainable economic growth, ecological stability, and strategic influence.
Reference Books
- Chronological Maritime History of Karachi Harbor — Irum Javed
- Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River — Alice Albinia
- Sindhu Ghati Aur Samandar (Indus Valley and the Sea) — Abubakar Shaikh
- Indus Delta — Anwar Pirzado
- Maritime Trade History of Sindh: From Ancient Time till Second CE — (Scholarly Article / Academic Publication)
- Boats in the Indus Delta and on the Coastline of Sindh — N.A. Baloch
- Sindh Ke Bandar Aur Bazar — Dada Sindhi
- Chach Nama (Tareekh al-Hind wa a’s-Sind) — Ali Kufi (Persian Translator/Compiler)
- Regional & Academic Publications
-Journals on Sindhology and Maritime Archaeology
-Research on Sindhi Merchant Networks in the Indian Ocean
-Historical atlases and coastal geomorphology studies on Sindh
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The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, is a Civil Engineer, visionary planner, PMP certified and literary enthusiast with a passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com
