Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar, has called on the business community to submit proposals for the development of 140 acres of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) land, emphasizing a joint venture model where the port would act as a strategic partner to establish an industrial park.
Addressing members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday, Minister Anwar highlighted the government’s commitment to developing Pakistan’s shipping sector in response to projections of significant global trade growth.
He encouraged both local and foreign investors to participate in creating the country’s most modern terminal, offering KPT land while maintaining private management of operations.
The minister proposed the formation of a private-sector consortium to oversee the project, with assurances of government support for addressing any concerns raised by the business community. “I will act as a neutral mediator,” he stated, emphasizing the ministry’s support for legitimate grievances.
Mr. Anwar also noted that the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) could not single-handedly address the freight-related losses in the sector. The government aims to expand the PNSC fleet by 50%, with contracts for five new vessels nearing completion. The fleet expansion goal of 30 vessels, initially set for three years, is now targeted for completion within one year, highlighting the urgency of fleet modernization.
The maritime minister reiterated his stance against real estate dealings on port land, stressing that such areas should only be used for trade, logistics, and industrial purposes. He outlined Pakistan’s long-term vision to achieve 100% port capacity utilization by 2047, aligning with the country’s industrial growth.
Regarding the development of Gwadar, Mr. Anwar emphasized that the port’s success relies on the establishment of factories and industries by the business community. He pointed out opportunities in sectors such as tuna fish processing, date exports, and livestock trade with China. He also mentioned that the security situation in Gwadar is now “better than Karachi.” The minister revealed plans for the development of a Pakistan Maritime Industrial Zone on 700 acres, which will include shipbuilding facilities, a steel melting unit, and a ship-breaking yard.
In addition, Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala called for the construction of a Karachi bypass road to alleviate traffic congestion caused by heavy port traffic. He urged the Sindh government, which holds over Rs 250 billion in Infrastructure Development Cess funds, to allocate Rs 70-80 billion for the essential corridor.
BMG Vice-Chairman Jawed Bilwani also raised concerns about ongoing industrial challenges, including high energy costs and gas shortages, while KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif criticized the congestion at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and the lack of pre-arrival parking facilities.
