KARACHI: Pakistan plans to develop a new “Energy City” and establish a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim as part of wider efforts to strengthen the country’s blue economy and modernise maritime infrastructure, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday.
The announcement comes as Pakistan’s maritime sector recorded a historic profit of Rs100 billion ($360 million) in 2025 following reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, reducing operational costs and protecting marine ecosystems.
Speaking during a meeting with port terminal operators in Karachi, Chaudhry said the government was committed to facilitating investors and expanding maritime trade infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by his office, the proposed Energy City would include bonded storage facilities for multiple forms of energy, while authorities are currently evaluating several possible locations for the project.
The minister also encouraged terminal operators to form consortiums and invest in both the Energy City initiative and the planned multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim.
Pakistan has witnessed increased port activity in recent months as regional shipping routes shifted due to disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict and escalating tensions in the Gulf. Cargo volumes have risen significantly at key Pakistani ports amid diversions from Gulf transshipment hubs.
The government has simultaneously accelerated efforts to modernise port operations, improve conditions for fishing communities and align maritime management practices with international environmental standards.
Chaudhry said authorities had recently cleared decades-old containers and pallets from the premises of the Karachi Port Trust, reducing congestion and improving cargo handling efficiency at the port.
During the meeting, terminal operators called for tax reductions and simplification of the taxation system. They also urged the government to grant port services the status of a regular industry, similar to the telecommunications sector, to encourage investment and improve the regulatory environment.
The minister assured participants that the government would take all possible measures to resolve business concerns and facilitate commercial activity at Pakistan’s ports.
