Senate body told: KPT records 9pc growth in container handling in 2025

ISLAMABAD: Chairman, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has said that the KPT has recorded a nine percent growth in container handling, which is the highest cargo handling during the last year.

He stated this at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, chaired by Chairman Senator Muhammad Fesal Vawda. He further informed that work is underway to increase the port’s draught depth to handle vessels up to 100,000 tons. Additionally, KPT is developing the largest Bulk Export Facility with a storage capacity of 8 million tons, and the export volumes of clinker are expected to increase to 8.5 million tons from the existing 4.5 million tons. Out of approximately 400 ports operational worldwide, KPT currently stands at the 90th position. He added that the dredging activities are being carried out continuously at the port.

The meeting also reviewed key operational, infrastructure and governance matters related to the maritime sector, with particular focus on port performance, dredging operations, land management and export facilitation. The chairman directed that all pending land allotments should be reviewed and illegal allotments cancelled.

The chairman stressed the need to vacate encroached land. It was informed that 239 containers are delayed at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), mainly due to customs delays and the involvement of international companies. It was further highlighted that corruption worth approximately USD 40 million annually is linked to container clearance, with about Rs112,000 allegedly taken per container. The KICT was directed to clear all backlog and eliminate corruption.

Senator Fesal Vawda seconded concerns regarding the Fisheries Harbour Authority, stating that transparency is lacking and significant land mismanagement has taken place at Korangi Fisheries. He alleged that some officials of the Fisheries Authority are illegally sharing staff salaries with senior officers for their absence from their duties and directed strict action against those involved. The committee observed that several boards are autonomous and require review. Senator Vawda stressed the need to restructure or eliminate ineffective board members.

The committee also directed compilation of data regarding land holdings across different areas, including fisheries.

Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar assured the committee that the ministry is progressing in a positive direction. He stated that it is not possible to eliminate all systemic issues at once, and therefore the ministry is adopting a step-by-step approach. He emphasised the need for full support from the committee and added that the Ministry is currently operating on the right track. He stated that Pakistan has recently developed a National Dredging Company, which will be cost-effective and more attractive to the exporters.

Nadeem Bhutto questioned the role of the National Dredging Company. It was informed that AD Port Company has been allocated work worth USD 60 million, while remaining work has been assigned to the National Dredging Company. In the future, all dredging work will be allocated to the National Dredging Company.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026