By Sohail Butt Misken
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday unveiled a long-term vision to develop a climate-resilient Port Industrial Complex under a comprehensive master plan for Port Qasim, with a strong focus on environmental compliance and sustainable growth.
Chairing a meeting to outline the Port Industrial Complex vision, the minister said the integrated and phased development of Port Qasim aims to transform it into a globally competitive industrial and logistics hub. He said the plan aligns with Pakistan’s broader objectives of trade expansion, industrialisation and blue economy growth.
The minister said the climate-resilient industrial hub could generate tens of billions of dollars in economic impact over the next two decades. He noted that the project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base, boost exports, create hundreds of thousands of jobs and position the country as a competitive regional trade and industrial centre.
He added that the project’s emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience would help mitigate future environmental and economic risks, thereby enhancing long-term investor confidence.
Describing Port Qasim as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s long-term economic growth, the minister called it a “gateway to national prosperity” under the comprehensive master plan.
He said the master plan covers more than 14,590 acres and has been designed to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations and sustainable land use over the next five decades. He noted that the long-term planning framework reflects the government’s commitment to continuity, investor confidence and economic resilience.
The minister said the Port Qasim Industrial Complex has been divided into three major zones: the North Western Zone, the Eastern Zone and the South Western Zone. He said the North Western Zone, spanning 3,061 acres, has been earmarked for diversified industrial activity, including value-added manufacturing and ancillary services linked to port operations.
He said the Eastern Zone, the largest component of the complex at 7,273 acres, is being developed as the primary industrial backbone, offering space for heavy industries, export-oriented units and logistics facilities.
The minister added that the South Western Zone, spread over 2,258 acres, has been allocated for specialised industrial and commercial uses, while 1,997 acres of low-lying land are being managed through phased development and environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable utilisation.
Highlighting the port’s current operational capacity, he said Port Qasim hosts 833 operational units, reflecting strong industrial uptake and sustained investor interest. He added that 40 additional units are under construction, signalling continued expansion and confidence in the port’s future prospects.
He said these figures demonstrate that Port Qasim is not merely a maritime facility but a growing industrial ecosystem. He added that the government is focused on improving ease of doing business, streamlining approvals and enhancing infrastructure to support further industrial activity.
The minister said the development of Port Qasim is closely linked to national supply chains, energy security and export growth. He noted that the port plays a vital role in handling bulk cargo, liquid chemicals, energy imports and industrial raw materials, supporting key sectors of the economy.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the minister said efforts are under way to modernise port infrastructure, improve road and rail connectivity and integrate digital systems to enhance efficiency and transparency. He said the vision is to position Port Qasim as a regional hub that meets international standards and contributes meaningfully to Pakistan’s economic transformation.
Concluding the meeting, the minister said the Port Qasim Industrial Complex reflects Pakistan’s long-term development ambitions by providing a platform for investment, job creation and sustainable growth. He added that with disciplined planning and consistent policy support, the port will continue to serve as a gateway to national prosperity for decades to come.
