Islamabad: Karachi Port has crossed the milestone of 2,000 vessel calls for the first time in nearly eight years, reflecting a steady rise in maritime trade activity and strengthening the port’s position as Pakistan’s main gateway for international commerce.

According to Press Information Department, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reported that Karachi Port handled 2,003 ship calls between July 2025 and June 13, 2026, based on data compiled by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). This figure surpasses the 2,000-vessel mark last recorded during fiscal year 2017-18.

The vessels that called at the port during the period represented a combined gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 84.43 million tons, highlighting the scale of shipping operations managed by the country’s largest seaport.

The minister noted that 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.

He emphasized that the achievement underscores the growing momentum of Pakistan’s maritime trade and reaffirms Karachi Port’s central role in the country’s trade and logistics network, through which a significant share of imports and exports is handled.

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed attributed the growth to increased shipping activity, improved operational efficiency, and the continued confidence of international shipping lines operating through Karachi Port. He stated that 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.

Junaid Chaudhry described the rise in vessel calls as a positive indicator for Pakistan’s trade outlook, reflecting stronger commercial activity and greater utilization of port infrastructure. He credited the milestone to the efforts of the KPT team in enhancing maritime connectivity, modernizing port operations, and attracting investment into the country’s logistics and maritime sectors.

The minister expressed optimism that the latest achievement is expected to further strengthen Karachi Port’s standing as Pakistan’s premier maritime gateway and support broader national efforts to expand trade and economic activity through the country’s ports.