ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Pakistan, Khurram Aziz Khan, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to announce a substantial investment of $250 million in Karachi Port over the next 10 years. Accompanied by a delegation, Khan detailed the company’s plans to construct a fully equipped multipurpose terminal with an initial investment of $130 million, expected to be completed within two years.
The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the company’s initiatives to enhance the container terminal facility at Karachi Port. These improvements will include advanced X-ray control, automated gates, a 200-meter berth expansion, a crane rail track, and significant infrastructure development. Upon completion, these upgrades will allow cargo ships with capacities of up to 120,000 tons to anchor at the port, significantly boosting economic activity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the need to utilize modern technology and machinery to enhance cargo and container handling efficiency, aiming to minimize clearance times. He highlighted the agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports as a strategic move to ensure transparency, increase capacity, and optimize port operations. The Prime Minister assured the delegation of the government’s full support in executing the agreement to maximize its benefits.
To facilitate the project, the Prime Minister directed railway authorities to provide freight bogies and necessary rolling stock to operationalize the terminal and improve cargo transportation. He also issued directives to minimize customs clearance times by installing modern equipment and machinery at both Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the installation of state-of-the-art scanning machinery at the ports and urged immediate steps to capitalize on the ports’ potential fully. He emphasized the need to enhance the capacity for goods transportation to and from Karachi Port via railway.
The Prime Minister also called for a reduction in fees for LNG ships at Port Qasim to align with prevailing international rates. He requested the preparation and prioritization of a comprehensive action plan for the regulation of shipping lines.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize and expand Karachi Port’s infrastructure, positioning it as a key hub for economic activity and international trade.
