KARACHI: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has recorded the highest annual cargo handling in its 138-year history, marking a major achievement for Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Sunday that KPT handled more cargo during the fiscal year 2025-26 than ever before. The port crossed its previous record of 54.685 million tonnes, which was set in the fiscal year 2017-18.
According to a Social Media Announcement by KPT, the port handled 53.951 million tonnes of cargo in the previous fiscal year (2024-25), making this year’s performance the highest ever.
Federal Minister and KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed congratulated the entire KPT family on this proud national achievement. The Minister said that Federal government is working to modernise ports, increase their capacity, improve logistics infrastructure and provide facilities that meet international standards. These efforts are aimed at making Pakistan a leading regional maritime and trade hub. He also said the ministry will continue encouraging investment in the maritime sector to support economic growth and expand trade.
The KPT chairman also praised the port staff, saying the achievement reflects the organisation’s professionalism and commitment. He said efforts would continue to further improve the port’s efficiency and competitiveness.
During FY2025-26, KPT also handled a record 2.65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerised cargo, the highest in the port’s history.
The strong performance comes as Pakistan’s ports have witnessed increased transhipment activity in recent months, with some international shipping lines diverting vessels to Karachi due to disruptions in regional shipping routes.
Earlier this year, KPT also welcomed its first fully transhipment cargo vessel, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role as a regional transhipment hub.
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