Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has set a new record for container throughput, handling more than 2.651 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) this fiscal year, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday.
The minister said that the milestone, achieved weeks before the close of the fiscal year, had surpassed the previous high and underscored growing confidence in Pakistan’s maritime sector and improved port performance. He stated that KPT had ‘surpassed last year’s record of 2.651 million TEUs, creating history by achieving the highest-ever container handling volume.’ He attributed the achievement to ‘the dedication of the workforce, improved operational efficiency, and the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.’
Admiral Shahid Ahmad, Chairman of KPT, said that the performance demonstrated the port’s ability to accommodate rising trade volumes and support national economic objectives. He stated that ongoing reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and measures aimed at improving port services had contributed to the increase in cargo and container traffic. He added that Karachi Port handled a substantial share of the country’s seaborne trade and remained a critical gateway for imports and exports.
Chaudhry said that enhanced efficiency and capacity expansion at the port were expected to boost Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and international shipping markets. He further stated that the government would continue investing in maritime infrastructure and modernization to position Pakistan as a leading logistics and transshipment hub connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
He concluded that the record throughput was being seen as an indicator of rising commercial activity and the growing importance of Pakistani ports within regional supply chains.