Pakistan’s Port Qasim is set to undergo a sweeping modernization initiative aimed at making it a key driver of the country’s $100 billion national revenue target, federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Monday. The move comes as the port earned global recognition as the world’s ninth most improved container port, underscoring its growing significance in regional trade and industrial development.
A Strategic Milestone for National Growth
Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the port’s international ranking, Minister Chaudhry highlighted the remarkable performance improvements achieved under recent reforms. “Port Qasim improved its performance score by 35.2 points, reflecting significant reductions in cargo dwell time, streamlined berth operations, and the adoption of digital management tools,” he said.
The minister emphasized that Port Qasim’s strategic location and industrial capabilities position it as a linchpin for economic expansion, with the potential to contribute at least half of Pakistan’s ambitious $100 billion revenue target.
“Sea-to-Steel” Green Maritime Corridor
A cornerstone of the modernization drive is the launch of Pakistan’s first “Sea-to-Steel Green Maritime Industrial Corridor,” designed to revive Pakistan Steel Mills and create an integrated maritime-industrial ecosystem. The initiative is expected to save the country $13 billion over the next decade while generating employment and boosting domestic industrial output.
The project will be executed in phases:
- Phase I: Utilizing the Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) terminal to facilitate the revival of steel manufacturing.
- Phase II: Establishing an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC), linking ship recycling with steel production to form a continuous value chain from port operations to manufacturing.
Minister Chaudhry confirmed that the corridor would be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Industries to ensure sustainable industrial growth aligned with environmental objectives.
Expanding Capacity and Embracing Green Technologies
The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) is spearheading several initiatives to enhance efficiency and capacity:
- New Infrastructure: Development of multipurpose and container terminals to accommodate growing trade volumes.
- Industrial Hub: Creation of the Port Qasim Special Economic Zone (PQSEZ) to attract both domestic and foreign investment in manufacturing and logistics.
- Green Port Initiative: Adoption of eco-friendly technologies to reduce the port’s carbon footprint and support sustainable maritime operations.
Additional improvements include dredging, upgraded cargo handling systems, and enhanced digital connectivity to streamline operations and improve trade flow. Upgraded road, rail, and communication networks will further reduce logistics costs and strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in global trade.
Energy projects, such as LNG terminals and power plants within the port area, are also part of the modernization blueprint, aiming to support both industrial activity and national energy security.
A Maritime-Industrial Ecosystem for the Future
Minister Chaudhry concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning Port Qasim as more than just a cargo facility. “The vision is to make Port Qasim a comprehensive maritime-industrial ecosystem powering Pakistan’s future growth,” he said.
With this ambitious modernization drive, Port Qasim is set to emerge as a central hub for trade, industrialization, and sustainable development, driving the country toward its economic and revenue goals while integrating green and digital technologies into its operations.
In other news also read about Pakistan Eyes 2026 Launch of Chinese-Built Sub in $5 B Deal
