10 Major Ports In Pakistan

Pakistan has 1046 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea, having several big and small ports in its coastal region from which Pakistan’s controls most of its trade. Pakistan exports most of it’s continue to be dominated by manpower export in the subcontinent, cotton textiles and apparel. Imports include petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, fertilizer, capital goods, industrial raw materials, and consumer products.

Pakistan has several major ports that play a critical role in the country’s economy. Here are ten of the major ports in Pakistan:

1. Karachi Port: Located in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, the Karachi Port is the largest port in the country and handles the majority of the country’s sea trade.
2. Port Qasim: Located in the Indus Delta region, the Port Qasim is the second-largest port in Pakistan and primarily handles bulk cargo.
3. Gwadar Port: Located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, Gwadar Port is a deepwater port that has become a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is expected to become a major trade hub in the region.
4. Pasni Port: Located in the Balochistan province, Pasni Port primarily handles seafood exports.
5. Ormara Port: Also located in the Balochistan province, Ormara Port is a small port that handles mainly fishing and naval operations.
6. Keti Bandar Port: Located in the Sindh province, Keti Bandar Port is a small port that is being developed for tourism purposes.
7. Kundal Shahi Port: Located in the Sindh province, Kundal Shahi Port primarily handles fishing activities.
8. Bin Qasim Port: Located near Port Qasim in Karachi, Bin Qasim Port is a small port that is primarily used for fishing activities.
9. Gaddani Port: Located in the Balochistan province, Gaddani Port is a small port that primarily handles shipbreaking activities.
10. Sialkot Dry Port: Located in the Punjab province, Sialkot Dry Port is an inland port that primarily handles export cargo, especially for the textile and leather industries.

Overall, these ports play a critical role in the country’s economy by facilitating trade and commerce, supporting industries such as fishing and shipbreaking, and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people.

Top 10 Major Ports In Pakistan

1. Karachi Port

Karachi, Sindh Province
UN/Locode: PK KHI

The Port of Karachi – also known as Karachi Port – is an ancient seaport in Karachi. When we say ancient, we mean that the history of this port predates the creation of Pakistan. In fact, it is as old and historic as the city itself. To be exact, the traces of its history are found in a newspaper published in 1557 and was retrieved quite recently. The news article suggests Karachi Port [as a resting place] in a travel guide for Turkish sailors and explorers. 

The Bandar gāh Karāchī is a large deep-sea port operated along with the Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. Owned by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and managed by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), it handles nearly 60% of national shipments.

Karachi Port is a natural harbour that has been operational since the early 18th century although ancient ports were operated by the local rulers since the 8th century CE. Today, the port sits on 32 kilometres of wharves and docks. The anchorage depth is 16 metres with 41 berths and 8 wharves available for commercial vessels.

Looking at the historical importance of this seaport in Karachi, we can clearly see that Karachi Port has played a significant role in developing what we see today as the city of lights. Besides, it harbours many domestic and international consignments. Here are some key facts about Karachi Port:

1. History: The port has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when it was developed by the British East India Company. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the busiest ports in the region.
2. Importance: Karachi Port is a major hub for trade and commerce, handling a wide range of cargo, including textiles, chemicals, food products, and petroleum products. It is the main gateway for international trade for Pakistan and handles about 60% of the country’s seaborne trade.
3. Infrastructure: The port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, including deep-water berths, container terminals, cargo handling equipment, and storage facilities. The port is also undergoing expansion and modernization to handle larger vessels and increase its capacity.
4. Connectivity: Karachi Port is well-connected to major transportation networks, including railways and highways, providing access to markets throughout Pakistan and beyond.
5. Economic impact: The port is a major contributor to the economy of Pakistan, generating significant revenue and providing employment to thousands of people. It is also a critical source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
6. Challenges: Karachi Port faces several challenges, including congestion, delays, and security issues. The government and port authorities are working to address these challenges through modernization and investment in infrastructure.

Overall, Karachi Port is a critical component of Pakistan’s economy, providing a vital link between the country and the rest of the world and supporting economic growth and development in the region. Now, let’s take a look at some amazing features of Karachi Port that makes it the largest and busiest port in Pakistan: 

• The West Wharf of Karachi Port can host around 300,000 containers annually. Meanwhile, the East Wharf can consign around 350,000 containers per year.
• It has the oldest oil dock, which will soon be revamped to make space for further loadings. 
• Proximity to Kemari Town – a coastal town in the city. 
• Closely connected to Saddar Town – a highly esteemed neighbourhood of Karachi. 

2. Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Bin Qasim, Malir District, Sindh Province
UN/Locode: PK BQM

The Bandar gāh Muhammad bin Qāsim is the second largest port in Pakistan and in the top 150 ports of the world. It is a deep-sea port constructed in an artificial harbour of the Sindh Province. Owned by the Maritime Affairs Ministry, Port Qasim has been operational since 1980 and sits on 50 square kilometres. The operating body is the governmental Port Qasim Authority (PQA).

It handles roughly 35% of the total maritime trade through Pakistan, has over 1,500 port calls annually, a container volume of 700,000 TEUs, and an annual cargo tonnage of 16.6 million tons. The harbour has a tidal variation of 3 metres and can berth vessels in the 75,000 DWT range as of 2008. Port Qasim is linked to the Korangi Industrial Area, Landhi Export Processing Zone, and several automobile manufacturing industries. It is in close proximity to Port Karachi and lies on the Indus River. The port is very well connected to the road, rail, and inland waterways. The National Highway, Jinnah International Airport, and Indus connectivity routes are within a 20 km radius from the harbour.

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim is a deep-sea port located in the Indus Delta region of Pakistan, near Karachi. Here are some key facts about Port Muhammad Bin Qasim:

1. History: The port was inaugurated in 1980 and is named after the Muslim general Muhammad bin Qasim, who conquered the region in the 8th century.
2. Importance: Port Muhammad Bin Qasim is the second-busiest port in Pakistan after Karachi Port, handling a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products. It is an important gateway for international trade and commerce for Pakistan.
3. Infrastructure: The port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including deep-water berths, container terminals, and cargo handling equipment. It has a capacity of handling up to 6.2 million tons of cargo annually.
4. Connectivity: Port Muhammad Bin Qasim is well-connected to major transportation networks, including railways and highways, providing access to markets throughout Pakistan and beyond.
5. Economic impact: The port is a major contributor to the economy of Pakistan, generating significant revenue and providing employment to thousands of people. It is also a critical source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
6. Expansion plans: The port is currently undergoing expansion and modernization to increase its capacity and handle larger vessels. The government of Pakistan is investing in the development of the port and surrounding infrastructure to support economic growth and development in the region.

Overall, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim is an important component of Pakistan’s economy, providing a vital link between the country and the rest of the world and supporting economic growth and development in the region.

3. Gwadar Port

Gwadar, Balochistan Province
UN/Locode: PK GWD

The Bandar gāh Gwadar is a major port on the Arabian Sea under the administration of the Gwadar Port Authority. The China Overseas Port Holding Company has operational and executive control of the port. Gwadar is a major player in Pakistan-Afghanistan trade transit and is a hub of the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Under these initiatives, the harbour is linked to the Maritime Silk Road and Belt & Road Projects.

Located near Chabahar Port in Iran and close to the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz, Gwadar is a deep-sea port and has been operational since 2016. It is still under expansionary activities planned in 3 subsequent phases. The port features a floating liquefied natural gas facility, the Gwadar Special Economic Zone, and a dedicated facility to promote CPEC interests.

Gwadar Port is a deep-sea port located in southwestern Pakistan, in the province of Balochistan, near the Iranian border. Here are some key facts about Gwadar Port:

1. History: The port was inaugurated in 2007, after years of planning and construction. It was built with the help of China, which invested heavily in the port and surrounding infrastructure.
2. Importance: Gwadar Port is a strategically important port for Pakistan, providing a gateway to the Arabian Sea and serving as a key hub for trade and commerce in the region. It is also a critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure development project that aims to connect Pakistan with China and other countries in the region.
3. Infrastructure: The port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including deep-water berths, container terminals, and cargo handling equipment. It has a capacity of handling up to 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo annually.
4. Connectivity: Gwadar Port is well-connected to major transportation networks, including highways, railways, and pipelines, providing access to markets throughout Pakistan and beyond. It is also located near several key shipping lanes, making it a strategic location for international trade.
5. Economic impact: The development of Gwadar Port is expected to have a significant impact on the economy of Pakistan, generating significant revenue and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people. It is also expected to facilitate the development of industries and businesses in the region.
6. Expansion plans: The government of Pakistan is investing in the expansion and modernization of Gwadar Port to increase its capacity and handle larger vessels. The development of Gwadar Free Zone, a special economic zone adjacent to the port, is also underway, which is expected to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The current annual container capacity as of 2018 is 30 million TEUs. The proposed cargo capacity is 400 million tons by 2045 against a current capacity of 11 million tons. The expansion phases are set in 3 stages with delivery in 2029 and 2045 for the pending 2 stages. The proposed ship classes to be supported are:
1. Bulk carriers – 30,000 DWT
2. Panamax – 52,000 DWT
3. Neo Panamax – 200,000 DWT
4. Chinamax – 400,000 DWT
5. Valemax – 400,000 DWT
6. TI-Class Supertankers – 440,000 DWT

Overall, Gwadar Port is a critical component of Pakistan’s economic and strategic interests, providing a gateway to the Arabian Sea and serving as a key hub for trade and commerce in the region. Its development is expected to have significant economic and social impacts on the region and the country as a whole.

Read: Gwadar Port: New Dubai or pie in the sky?

4. Mohammad Ali Jinnah Naval Base

Ormara, Balochistan Province
UN/Locode: Unspecified

Mohammad Ali Jinnah Naval Base, also known as PNS Jinnah, is a naval base located in Ormara, Balochistan, Pakistan. Here are some key facts about the base:

1. History: The base was established in 2003 and named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
2. Location: The base is located on the coast of Balochistan and is strategically important for the Pakistan Navy due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea.
3. Purpose: PNS Jinnah serves as a forward operating base for the Pakistan Navy, providing support for maritime operations and security in the region. It also serves as a training base for naval personnel.
4. Facilities: The base is equipped with a range of facilities, including a runway, a helicopter landing area, a hospital, and accommodation for personnel. It also has facilities for the maintenance and repair of naval vessels.
5. Importance: PNS Jinnah is strategically important for Pakistan’s maritime security, as it provides a base for naval operations in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It also helps to secure Pakistan’s sea lines of communication, which are critical for trade and commerce.
6. Future plans: The Pakistan Navy is investing in the expansion and modernization of PNS Jinnah to increase its capacity and enhance its capabilities. There are also plans to develop the base as a hub for maritime trade and commerce in the region.

Overall, Mohammad Ali Jinnah Naval Base is a key facility for the Pakistan Navy, providing support for maritime operations and security in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Its development is expected to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in the region and promote trade and commerce in the area.

5. Pasni Port

Pasni Port | Port Code: PKPSI – Seabay Logistics.

Pasni Port is a small port located in the town of Pasni in the Gwadar district of the Balochistan province in Pakistan. The Port of Pasni (Urdu: بندر گاہ پسنى) is located in Pasni City in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The facilities include modern fish harbour, port, and a naval base for the Pakistan Navy. Here are some key facts about Pasni Port:

1. History: Pasni Port has a long history, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-colonial era. It was later developed by the British colonial authorities in the early 20th century.
2. Importance: Pasni Port is a small port compared to other ports in Pakistan, but it is still an important port for the local community and regional trade. The port serves as a hub for fishing and maritime activities in the area and provides a gateway for small vessels to access the sea.
3. Infrastructure: The port has limited infrastructure, including a small jetty and cargo handling facilities. However, the port is being upgraded to handle larger vessels and to provide better facilities for the fishing industry.
4. Connectivity: Pasni Port is located on the Arabian Sea and is well-connected to other parts of the country through road and air transport. However, it does not have any direct rail connectivity.
5. Economic impact: Pasni Port is an important economic driver for the region, providing employment opportunities for local communities through the fishing industry and related activities. It also serves as a gateway for trade and commerce in the area.
6. Future plans: The government of Pakistan is investing in the development of Pasni Port to increase its capacity and provide better facilities for the fishing industry. There are also plans to connect the port with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development.

Overall, Pasni Port is a small but important port in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Its development is expected to provide a boost to the local economy and promote trade and commerce in the region.

6. Port of Ormara

Gwadar District, Balochistan Province
UN/Locode: PK ORW

Ormara Port is a small port located in the town of Ormara in the Gwadar district of the Balochistan province in Pakistan. The Bandar-gāh Ormara is a prominent harbour lying on the Makran Coast in Pakistan and situated between the Karachi and Gwadar Ports. Its maritime significance dates back to 40 – 70 A.D. in ancient trade and maritime logbook (the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea).

Functional since the times of Alexander the Great, Ormara has been an important strategic location as it provides access to and control of the Indus region. Today, it comes under the Makran division of the Government of Pakistan and has seen a decline in the prosperity of the port and the surrounding hinterlands due to the advent of the nearby harbours.

The port predominantly deals with fishing and ships fresh produce to larger harbours in Pakistan for repackaging and subsequent export. The Makran Coastal Highway Project, known as National Highway 10, extends along the Arabian Sea coastline of Pakistan and has revitalized the port and brought in much-needed facilities. This has linked the port to the larger National Highway system and allows passage of goods and cargo through Ormara.

The Jinnah Naval Base is located in Ormara and is the 2nd largest naval base in the country. It was jointly constructed by Belgium and Turkey on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and has increased economic activity in the region, with the fish port receiving new equipment to increase the output of fresh produce for export around the world.

Here are some key facts about Ormara Port:

1. History: Ormara Port has a long history, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-colonial era. It was later developed by the British colonial authorities in the early 20th century.
2. Importance: Ormara Port is a small port compared to other ports in Pakistan, but it is still an important port for the local community and regional trade. The port serves as a hub for fishing and maritime activities in the area and provides a gateway for small vessels to access the sea.
3. Infrastructure: The port has limited infrastructure, including a small jetty and cargo handling facilities. However, the port is being upgraded to handle larger vessels and to provide better facilities for the fishing industry.
4. Connectivity: Ormara Port is located on the Arabian Sea and is well-connected to other parts of the country through road and air transport. However, it does not have any direct rail connectivity.
5. Economic impact: Ormara Port is an important economic driver for the region, providing employment opportunities for local communities through the fishing industry and related activities. It also serves as a gateway for trade and commerce in the area.
6. Future plans: The government of Pakistan is investing in the development of Ormara Port to increase its capacity and provide better facilities for the fishing industry. There are also plans to connect the port with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development.

Overall, Ormara Port is a small but important port in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Its development is expected to provide a boost to the local economy and promote trade and commerce in the region.

7. Keti Bandar Port