Pakistan pushes port expansion drive to capture regional transshipment trade

Pakistan is accelerating efforts to scale up port capacity and strengthen its logistics and feeder vessel network as policymakers seek to tap rising regional transit and transshipment flows.

The direction was outlined in a high-level review meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, where officials assessed operational readiness across the country’s ports amid shifting regional trade dynamics.

Shipping lines, terminal operators, and other maritime stakeholders participated in the session, which focused on improving cargo handling efficiency, reducing procedural bottlenecks, and ensuring smoother coordination across the maritime supply chain.

According to an official statement, discussions covered regulatory constraints, digitization of port operations, stakeholder coordination mechanisms, and measures to attract additional regional cargo volumes.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on enhancing feeder connectivity and positioning Karachi as a reliable and competitive maritime gateway for transshipment activity.

The minister said ongoing reforms are aimed at transforming Pakistani ports into a regional transshipment hub through a coordinated stakeholder framework.

He added that the government is working to refine the regulatory environment, address issues such as detention charges, and expand terminal handling capacity in line with modern operational requirements.