PAKISTAN, being a debt-ridden country, should consider utilising the Indus River for generating revenue and mitigating the cost of transport by constructing inland navigation along the river. There are several countries which use inland waterways as a source of national integration and revenue generation. The Grand Canal of China, named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2014 and the construction of which began in the 5th century BC, connects northern and southern China, strengthening trade and political unity. Another example is that of the Erie Canal, a historic man-made waterway in the state of New York opened in 1825, linking the American Midwest with New York City. The canal has reduced freight costs by about 90 per cent. The same model can be used by Pakistan owing to its unique strategic and geographic location.

Construction of inland navigation and canals not only increases economic growth, but also promotes national integration. It will connect the urban cities with far-flung areas, like erstwhile Fata, Waziristan, Gilgit and cities across Balochistan.

Trading via sea routes, rivers and canals is considered less expensive than other means of transportation. Such an initiative will increase business activity and improve people’s standard of living. As about 1.3 million people in Pakistan are believed to be associated with the blue economy, having inland waterways would provide employment to thousands of our people.

Sameer Umrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026