Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) Chairman Salim Valimuhammad stated that Karachi Port is experiencing an unprecedented surge in transhipment activity, which he sees as a major opportunity for Pakistan’s trade and logistics sector. He noted that disruptions in Dubai’s shipping operations and regional tensions have led several international shipping lines to redirect cargo to Pakistan. Consequently, Karachi Port handled 8,313 containers in the first 24 days of March 2026, matching the total from 2025.

He also mentioned increased cargo movement at Port Qasim, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s port facilities. He called this a “golden opportunity” for Pakistan to become a permanent transhipment hub, stressing the need for timely improvements in port infrastructure, rationalisation of charges, and research-based policy reforms. He emphasised that close public-private coordination is essential to transform this momentum into lasting benefits, potentially enhancing the flow of imports and exports and supporting economic growth.