Karachi: Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar, has invited the business community to submit proposals for developing 140 acres of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) land into a modern industrial park under a public-private partnership model.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday, the minister said the initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s shipping and industrial sectors amid projections of growing global trade. He emphasized that the proposed industrial park would be developed as a joint venture, with KPT acting as a strategic partner while the private sector manages operations.
Mr. Anwar encouraged both local and foreign investors to participate in creating what he described as the “most modern terminal” in the country. He proposed forming a private-sector consortium to oversee the project and assured that the ministry would extend full support in resolving any legitimate concerns raised by the business community.
“I will act as a neutral mediator,” he said, reiterating his commitment to maintaining transparency and ensuring fair facilitation for investors.
The minister also highlighted plans to expand the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) fleet by 50%, noting that contracts for five new vessels are nearing completion. The government aims to increase the fleet size to 30 ships within a year, a target originally set for three years, to address freight-related losses and boost capacity.
Reaffirming his stance against the commercial sale of port land, Mr. Anwar said such areas should only be used for trade, logistics, and industrial purposes. He outlined a long-term vision to achieve 100% port capacity utilization by 2047 in line with national industrial goals.
Discussing the development of Gwadar, he stressed that its success depends on the establishment of industries, particularly in tuna fish processing, date exports, and livestock trade with China. He also claimed that the security situation in Gwadar is now “better than Karachi.”
The minister revealed that the government plans to develop a Pakistan Maritime Industrial Zone on 700 acres, featuring shipbuilding facilities, a steel melting unit, and a ship-breaking yard.
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