The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan’s ports into dynamic regional trade hubs, emphasising that the destiny of Karachi Port is being reshaped through bold reforms, infrastructure modernisation, and enhanced facilitation for the business community. He applauded that Pakistan’s ports are witnessing unprecedented progress in dredging, transhipment facilitation, bunkering expansion, and terminal optimisation, aimed at strengthening the country’s position as the fulcrum of regional maritime trade.
The Federal Minister also appreciated the growing success of bunkering operations, with more than 100 vessels serviced in recent months, and welcomed the transition of VLSFO sales toward direct marine fuel supply, a move expected to strengthen Pakistan’s refining industry significantly.
Beyond cargo operations, Karachi Port is enhancing maritime support services by facilitating crew changes and offering affordable medical services for merchant mariners, reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a competitive and service-oriented maritime hub.
These strategic reforms are expected to open new avenues of trade growth in the coming years, firmly positioning Karachi Port as a leading regional gateway and a driver of Pakistan’s maritime future.
Supporting the Minister’s vision, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M) SBt(Retd), Chairman Karachi Port Trust, highlighted the practical steps being undertaken at Karachi Port to translate this vision into measurable outcomes. He stated that four dredgers are currently engaged in dredging works at Karachi Port, with two specifically deployed to deepen the approach channel to enhance navigational efficiency and enable the handling of larger vessels.
The Chairman further shared that a major milestone has been achieved in the SAPTL channel-deepening project, valued at approximately US$6 million. At the same time, NDMS continues to oversee dredging operations across Pakistan’s ports.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the Port Qasim Authority for facilitating the deployment of Indus Dolphin through NDMS for Karachi Port dredging operations.
Referring to recent progress in trade facilitation, the Federal Minister noted that over the last 40 days, Pakistan achieved remarkable success in transhipment cargo handling through a high-level committee working in close coordination with the business community, resulting in the resolution of 99% of operational and procedural issues.
Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Karachi Port successfully handled its first major transhipment, sending a strong message to the global maritime sector that Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port are emerging as Pakistan’s next major trade hubs.
To further support trade growth, transhipment-related charges have been reduced by up to 60%, while a new feeder service has been launched from KGTL. Additionally, 20 ad hoc vessels are being arranged to reduce container stack pressure and facilitate seamless cargo movement.
The Chairman of KPT underscored the port’s operational resilience, stating that Karachi Port maintained 24/7 turnaround efficiency, delivering historic cargo handling performance even on Eid day.
He added that additional container storage areas have been allocated to optimise terminal space, while off-dock facilities have also been permitted for transhipment operations. The timely support of Pakistan Customs and the Federal Board of Revenue, particularly through expedited amendment SROs, significantly accelerated these reforms.
In another landmark development, scrap material lying at the port for the past few years has now received FBR clearance for auction, and the process is underway to create valuable additional space for cargo operations, the Chairman added.
Further approvals for RoRo, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo transhipment, along with long-awaited permissions to clear betel nut containers and LCM cargo, are expected to unlock major commercial opportunities for the business community.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the CEO of KGTL, Khurram Aziz, appreciated the support of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and KPT in advancing dredging and channel widening, enabling larger vessels and improved terminal efficiency.
These initiatives are set to strengthen Karachi Port’s role as a leading regional maritime gateway.
