Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council Chairman H.H. Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud expressed keen interest in Karachi Port investment opportunities during a November 9 visit. His priorities included green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and projects to improve freight connectivity.
Prince Mansour, who heads the council’s Saudi chapter, led a high-level Saudi business delegation to Karachi Port Trust’s head office. The delegation also visited South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL–HPH) to examine its operations and modern cargo-handling infrastructure.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd) received the visitors alongside senior maritime officials. They included Federal Maritime Affairs Secretary Capt. Muhammad Khurram Agha (Retd) and Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch.
Prince Mansour and the federal secretary jointly chaired the subsequent session, which focused on investment opportunities and closer maritime cooperation.
Maritime Business District and Manora Shipyard
During the briefing, Ahmed outlined Karachi Port’s evolution into a fifth-generation facility and its ongoing modernisation programme. He also highlighted record performance during FY2025–26 and expanding transshipment operations.
The KPT chairman presented the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District as a major opportunity for Saudi investors. He also highlighted the development of Manora Shipyard among the port’s investment priorities.
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The business district already forms part of an earlier cooperation framework involving Saudi and Pakistani partners. In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development on its waterfront land at M.T. Khan Road.
The partners include Saudi Business Council–NAJD Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium.
The framework envisages commercial infrastructure to attract investment, generate employment and support urban development. However, the project must meet Pakistan’s regulatory and legal requirements before proceeding.
Freight Connectivity and Green Port Initiatives
Ahmed also outlined four strategic connectivity projects: the M-10 Port Link, KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor, ML-1 railway linkage and East-West Wharves Connectivity Bridge.
The proposed links formed a central part of the investment presentation, alongside terminal infrastructure and waterfront development.
Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in these connectivity initiatives, green port projects and terminal expansion. He recognised their potential for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures.
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At SAPTL–HPH, the delegation gained first-hand insight into the terminal’s operational capabilities. The visit allowed Saudi representatives to examine cargo-handling facilities alongside the infrastructure proposals presented at KPT headquarters.
KPT said the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi-Pakistani business partnerships and attracting investment. The authority aims to strengthen Karachi Port’s position as a leading regional maritime and logistics hub.
The supplied statement announced no investment amount, implementation timetable or new agreement from the November 9 visit. Discussions centred on identifying opportunities across port development, commercial infrastructure and transport connectivity.
