Karachi Port has recorded its highest ship traffic in nearly eight years, handling over 2,000 vessel calls for the first time since fiscal year 2017-18, according to official data released by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The milestone underscores the port’s growing role as Pakistan’s primary gateway for international trade amid regional shifts in maritime routes.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that the port processed 2,003 ship calls between July 2025 and June 13, 2026. The vessels represented a combined gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 84.43 million tonnes, marking a 7.5 percent increase in ship calls and a 3 percent rise in tonnage compared to the same period last year.
“This achievement highlights the growing momentum of Pakistan’s maritime trade and reaffirms Karachi Port’s central role in the country’s trade and logistics network,” Chaudhry said. He noted that the port handles a substantial share of Pakistan’s imports and exports, linking the country to major global shipping routes.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed attributed the growth to improved operational efficiency and increased confidence among international shipping lines. “Karachi Port, established in 1887, remains a key hub for containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and general trade,” he said, emphasizing the port’s modernization efforts.
The minister also highlighted opportunities for Pakistan to attract transshipment traffic by offering competitive port tariffs, potentially challenging regional rivals such as Dubai, Salalah, Colombo, and ports in India and Hong Kong. Regional geopolitical developments, including disruptions caused by the Iran war, have created openings for Pakistan to position itself as a competitive transshipment hub.
Chaudhry described the vessel traffic increase as a positive indicator for Pakistan’s trade outlook. He expressed confidence that the achievement would strengthen Karachi Port’s standing as the nation’s premier maritime gateway and support broader efforts to expand economic activity through the country’s ports.
Source: ARY News