Pakistan Plans To Build ‘Energy City’ and New Port Qasim Terminal

Pakistan plans to establish a new “Energy City” and a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s blue economy and maritime infrastructure.

The plan was announced by Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a meeting with a delegation of port terminal operators in Karachi.

According to the minister’s office, the proposed Energy City will include bonded storage facilities for different types of energy products, while multiple locations are currently being considered for the project.

Chaudhry also encouraged terminal operators to form consortiums and invest in the Energy City initiative as well as the planned multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim.

The development comes as Pakistan’s maritime sector posted a record Rs. 100 billion profit in 2025 following reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, reducing congestion, and strengthening the country’s blue economy.

Pakistan has also witnessed increased port activity in recent months as some cargo traffic shifted from Gulf transshipment hubs due to disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict and regional security tensions.

Officials say the government has accelerated efforts to modernize port operations, improve cargo handling capacity, and position Pakistan as a regional logistics and maritime trade hub.

The maritime minister noted that authorities recently removed decades-old containers and pallets from Karachi Port Trust premises, reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency.

During the meeting, terminal operators urged the government to reduce taxes and simplify the taxation system while also requesting industrial status for port services similar to the telecommunications sector. The minister assured investors and operators that the government would take steps to address business concerns and facilitate investment and trade-related activities at Pakistani ports.