Karachi Port has crossed the milestone of 2,000 vessel calls for the first time in almost eight years, highlighting a steady rise in maritime trade and cargo activity at Pakistan’s largest seaport.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Monday that Karachi Port handled 2,003 vessel calls between July 2025 and June 13, 2026, according to data compiled by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
The figure marks the first time the port has crossed the 2,000-vessel threshold since fiscal year 2017-18. Officials described the achievement as a positive sign for Pakistan’s trade sector and broader economic activity.
Maritime Traffic Shows Strong Growth
According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, ships arriving at Karachi Port during the period represented a combined gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 84.43 million tons.
The minister said vessel calls increased by 7.5% compared with the same period last year. Gross registered tonnage rose by 3.0%, reflecting stronger cargo movement and higher maritime traffic.
“Vessel calls increased by 7.5 percent compared with the corresponding period last year, while gross registered tonnage rose by 3.0 percent, indicating sustained growth in cargo movement and maritime traffic,” Chaudhry said.
He noted that the figures demonstrate growing momentum in Pakistan’s maritime trade sector. He also said the results reaffirm Karachi Port’s central role in the country’s trade and logistics network.
ALHAMDULILAH
!KARACHI PORT Crosses 2,000 SHIP CALLS
Milestone!For the first time since the 2017-2018
benchmark, Karachi Port has surpassed the landmark figure of 2,000 ship
calls, reaffirming its role as Pakistan’s premier maritime
gateway. pic.twitter.com/QkoFVOf6Fz—
Karachi Port Trust Official (@official_kpt) June
13, 2026
Karachi Port handles a significant portion of Pakistan’s imports and exports. Located on the Arabian Sea, it serves as one of the country’s most important gateways for international commerce. The port connects Pakistan with major shipping routes linking the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows the country’s external trade has gradually recovered over the past year, supported by improved economic stability, easing inflation and increased industrial activity. Analysts say stronger trade volumes often translate into higher shipping traffic at major ports.
Karachi Port’s Strategic Role
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed credited the growth to rising shipping activity and operational improvements at the port.
“Karachi Port, established in 1887, remains a key hub for containerized cargo, bulk commodities and general trade, linking Pakistan with major regional and global shipping routes,” he said.
Ahmed also pointed to improved operational efficiency and the continued confidence of international shipping lines using Karachi Port.
The port remains one of the oldest and busiest maritime facilities in South Asia. Along with Port Qasim, it handles the bulk of Pakistan’s seaborne trade. Government officials have also launched efforts to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacity and strengthen logistics services to support growing trade demand.
Meanwhile, Chaudhry described the increase in vessel calls “as a positive indicator for Pakistan’s trade outlook, reflecting stronger commercial activity and greater utilization of port infrastructure”.
He said the latest milestone would further strengthen Karachi Port’s position as Pakistan’s premier maritime gateway. He added that higher port activity would support national efforts to expand trade, attract investment and boost economic growth through the country’s maritime sector.
