Pakistan is expected to receive nearly $2 billion in foreign investment to modernize Port Qasim as part of a long-term development plan aimed at strengthening the country’s logistics and trade infrastructure.
According to reports, the investment will come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Türkiye, Qatar, and China over the next 30 years to expand and upgrade the port’s facilities.
A key component of the plan is a $250 million dredging project, which has already entered its first phase. Once completed, the upgrade will enable ships with a draft of up to 18 metres to berth at Port Qasim, increasing its cargo-handling capacity.
The Reko Diq Mining Company will also invest $150 million at the port as Pakistan develops rail infrastructure to transport minerals from the Reko Diq mine to Port Qasim.
As part of the ML-1 railway project, a new rail link between Pipri and Port Qasim is under construction. The railway will not only support mineral exports but is also expected to facilitate the transportation of Thar coal in the future.
The government is working to integrate sea, rail, and road transport into a unified logistics network to improve cargo movement nationwide. The plan also includes the development of a multi-logistics park at Pipri, which is expected to ease freight congestion on Karachi’s major roads.
In addition, authorities are planning to connect Gwadar Port, Karachi Port, and Port Qasim through an integrated transport system to strengthen Pakistan’s trade and logistics network.
