Pakistan is set to receive around $2bn in foreign investment to modernise Port Qasim, as part of a long-term plan aimed at expanding the country’s maritime infrastructure and improving trade connectivity.
According to officials, the investment is expected to come from China, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates over the next 30 years. The funds will be used to upgrade port facilities, strengthen transport links and enhance cargo handling capacity.
A key component of the plan is a $250m dredging project, which has entered its first phase. Once completed, the project will enable vessels with a draft of up to 18 metres to berth at Port Qasim, allowing the port to accommodate larger ships.
The Reko Diq Mining Company is also expected to invest $150m in the port as work begins on rail infrastructure to transport minerals from the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan to Port Qasim for export.
As part of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, a new rail link is being built between Pipri and Port Qasim. The railway is also expected to support the future export of coal from the Thar coalfields.
Authorities are working to integrate sea, rail and road transport into a single logistics network to improve cargo movement across Pakistan. The plan includes the development of a multi-logistics park at Pipri, which is expected to reduce freight traffic on Karachi’s busiest roads.
Officials also said proposals are being developed to connect Gwadar Port, Karachi Port and Port Qasim through an integrated transport system, with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s trade and logistics network.
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