Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt. (Retd.), has lauded the Sindh Government’s efforts to enhance road connectivity and strengthen Karachi Port’s integration with the national highway network, describing the initiatives as vital for improving logistics efficiency and facilitating trade.
Speaking during a session at the KPT Staff College, the chairman particularly appreciated the proposed KPT-to-Malir Expressway Connectivity Project and the planned Logistics Park/Modern Truck Terminal along the Northern Bypass (M-10), saying both projects would help streamline freight movement, reduce urban traffic congestion and improve cargo transportation between the port and inland destinations.
He noted that improved road infrastructure would not only facilitate smoother movement of goods but also reduce transportation costs, enhance supply chain efficiency and support the growing demands of maritime trade.
The KPT chairman also underscored the potential of the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess (SIDC) in financing critical infrastructure projects linked to the ports sector. Referring to the Sindh Development and Maintenance of Infrastructure Cess (Amendment) Act, 2026, he suggested earmarking a portion of the cess revenue generated annually from cargo handled at Karachi Port and Port Qasim to upgrade key feeder roads serving the ports.
He observed that approximately Rs160 billion in infrastructure cess is generated annually through KPT and Port Qasim Authority operations and proposed allocating Rs10 billion to Rs15 billion for developing and rehabilitating strategic port-access roads. Such investments, he said, would complement ongoing connectivity initiatives and strengthen links between the country’s ports and the national highway network.
Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed expressed confidence that continued support from the Government of Sindh, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Sindh, would accelerate infrastructure development, improve logistics connectivity and reinforce Karachi Port’s role as Pakistan’s principal maritime gateway.
He emphasized that enhanced road connectivity and modern logistics facilities would contribute significantly to trade facilitation, port efficiency and national economic growth, while helping position Karachi as a more competitive regional logistics and shipping hub.
