KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday announced plans to establish a modern small industrial estate at Port Qasim, spanning around 400 acres, aimed at promoting industrialisation and strengthening investor confidence.
Speaking during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the minister said the development strategy would prioritise infrastructure readiness before plot allocation. “Unlike conventional practices where investors are shown undeveloped land, this project will first deliver fully developed infrastructure, including main boulevards, landscaping and essential utilities, ensuring a business-ready environment prior to allotment,” he said.
Referring to the recent surge in transhipment activity amid regional geopolitical developments, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, he said Pakistan handled a record volume of containers within just 24 days.
“While such extraordinary volumes were driven by external circumstances, the real achievement lies in demonstrating Pakistan’s operational capability to efficiently manage volumes within days that would typically take months under normal conditions,” he added, while commending KPT officials and staff for their commitment.
Highlighting measures to improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector, the minister said port charges had been reduced by up to 60 per cent to attract international shipping lines. He added that capacity enhancements, including the expansion of off-dock and on-dock terminal areas, as well as the clearance of decades-old abandoned cargo and containers, had significantly improved port efficiency.
A high-level facilitation committee, comprising senior officials including Chief Collector Customs Wajid Ali and Member Customs Operations Shakeel Shah, has been constituted to fast-track decision-making and resolve longstanding issues within hours instead of weeks.
He also said initiatives were under way to introduce roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping facilities to facilitate vehicle imports, supported by dedicated storage and parking infrastructure at the port, which is expected to open new avenues for trade and logistics.
Praising the performance of KPT, he said the institution, which once faced serious operational challenges, has now emerged as a high-performing entity contributing to national economic growth.
He also acknowledged the role of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, saying its proactive deployment of fleet capacity at minimal margins during challenging periods ensured an uninterrupted fuel supply, preventing shortages and supporting industrial continuity.
Focusing on governance reforms at Port Qasim, the minister said strict measures had been introduced to curb land misuse and speculative trading. Investors are now required to submit feasibility plans, establish industrial units and ensure operations before any transfer of ownership is permitted. The sale of undeveloped plots has been disallowed, ensuring that land allocation is tied to genuine industrial activity. A dedicated committee has also been set up to resolve property-related issues within weeks, reducing delays.
He further announced that the Port Qasim Authority Board has approved a development budget of Rs35 billion for the Eastern Zone, where infrastructure work will begin shortly. Addressing concerns over inundated plots at Port Qasim, the minister acknowledged that land reclamation would require prohibitively high investment. He said the government is formulating a policy to offer affected allottees refunds or alternative developed plots, subject to the submission of viable industrial plans.
Chairperson KPT Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s growing bunkering industry, noting that Karachi Port has already serviced more than 100 vessels. The sector is expected to generate business worth billions of rupees over the next two years, while supporting growth in the refinery sector. He added that the number of bunkering vessels will increase to three by next year and encouraged the business community to invest in this emerging segment.
