First phase of proposed garment city expected to create 138,125 jobs and attract export-oriented private investment
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced plans to establish a 400-acre apparel zone at Port Qasim, with the first phase projected to create more than 138,000 jobs and generate annual exports of around $2.2 billion.
The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by the minister to review a proposed garment city project aimed at developing an export-oriented manufacturing cluster focused on high-value apparel production and attracting private investment.
According to the project plan, the first phase will cover 250 acres, with 35% of the area allocated for internal roads, utilities and green spaces. The project is proposed to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
32 industrial plots proposed
The proposed commercial structure includes 32 industrial plots of five acres each. However, the plot size could be reduced to two or three acres to accommodate more investors and manufacturing units.
The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) will provide the infrastructure and utilities required for the project.
Each industrial unit is planned to have access to up to 400,000 gallons of water per day, 2 megawatts of on-grid electricity and 23,100 pounds of industrial gas per day at 8 pounds per square inch (PSI), sufficient to support requirements for 10 tonnes of steam.
For the overall project, planned utility capacity includes 13 million gallons of water per day, 64MW of on-grid electricity and 750,000 pounds of industrial gas per day.
Private investment and green technology
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said private-sector participation would be a key component of the proposed apparel zone.
Under the plan, Pakistani textile and denim manufacturer Artistic Milliners would establish a manufacturing unit with an investment of more than $18 million.
The proposed facility is expected to incorporate vertical integration and green technologies, supporting the project’s focus on higher-value and more sustainable apparel manufacturing.
One-window export facility planned
The project would also introduce a one-window mechanism for exporters, aimed at simplifying export-related procedures.
The proposed system would include streamlined export processing, specialised customs desks and dedicated transport corridors to facilitate the movement of goods.
The integration of manufacturing facilities with port infrastructure and customs services is intended to improve efficiency and reduce logistical bottlenecks for exporters.
138,125 jobs and $2.2bn export target
Projections presented during the meeting estimate that the first phase could generate approximately 138,125 jobs, while annual exports are expected to reach around $2.2 billion.
The project also aims to raise the average export value of garments to approximately $8 per piece, supporting Pakistan’s efforts to move towards higher-value textile and apparel exports.
The minister said the initiative formed part of the government’s broader efforts to expand Pakistan’s industrial and export capacity by integrating port infrastructure, utilities, customs facilities and private investment within a dedicated apparel manufacturing ecosystem.
The proposed Port Qasim apparel zone is expected to provide a platform for new manufacturing investment while strengthening Pakistan’s position in international apparel markets.