KPT surpasses previous throughput milestone as maritime trade and port efficiency continue to improve
KARACHI, June 19, 2026: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has achieved its highest-ever container throughput, handling more than 2.654 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the current fiscal year, marking a new record for Pakistan’s largest seaport.
Announcing the achievement on Friday, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the milestone was reached weeks before the close of the fiscal year, surpassing the previous record and reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s maritime sector.
“KPT has surpassed last year’s record of 2.651 million TEUs, creating history by achieving the highest-ever container handling volume,” the minister said in a statement.
He attributed the record performance to improved operational efficiency, infrastructure development and the commitment of the government and port workforce to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Record Throughput Reflects Growing Trade Activity
The latest achievement highlights the increasing volume of cargo passing through Karachi Port, which handles a significant share of Pakistan’s seaborne trade.
The record container throughput is being viewed as a positive indicator of rising commercial activity, expanding trade flows and improved logistics performance at one of the country’s most important maritime gateways.
According to the minister, ongoing efforts to modernise port operations and enhance efficiency have helped KPT accommodate growing import and export volumes while reducing operational bottlenecks.
Infrastructure Upgrades Support Growth
Admiral Shahid Ahmad, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust, said the achievement demonstrates the port’s capability to manage increasing trade volumes and contribute to national economic growth.
He noted that a series of reforms, infrastructure upgrades and service improvements have played a key role in increasing container and cargo traffic.
“The ongoing reforms, infrastructure upgrades and measures aimed at improving port services have contributed to the rise in cargo and container traffic,” he said.
Karachi Port remains a vital gateway for Pakistan’s imports and exports and serves as a critical component of the country’s logistics and supply chain network.
Government Eyes Regional Logistics Hub Status
The maritime affairs minister said enhanced efficiency and expanded capacity at Karachi Port are expected to strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and global shipping markets.
He added that the government will continue investing in maritime infrastructure, digitalisation and port modernisation projects to position Pakistan as a major logistics and transshipment hub linking South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Industry observers believe sustained improvements in port performance could attract additional shipping lines, facilitate trade growth and support broader economic development objectives.
Maritime Sector Gains Momentum
The record-breaking container handling volume underscores the growing importance of Pakistan’s ports within regional supply chains and highlights the maritime sector’s contribution to trade facilitation and economic activity.
With container throughput reaching a historic high, Karachi Port is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting Pakistan’s trade ambitions and strengthening connectivity with international markets.
