Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Saturday revealed that Pakistan’s naval operations contribute a modest 0.5% to the country’s GDP, which lags significantly behind the global average of 7%. Speaking at Kholi Kashahri at the PNSC building in Karachi, the Minister emphasized the huge untapped potential in the maritime industry.
“Developed countries derive up to 40% of their GDP from seaborne trade,” he said, urging reforms to utilize Pakistan’s maritime resources.
Noting efforts to boost the sector, Sheikh pointed out initiatives to boost fish exports, including plans to set up fish export factories in Korangi. “This will not only improve GDP contribution but will also provide sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.
The minister compared the profits of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Trust (PQT) in the financial year 2023-2024. Although both ports handle roughly equal volumes of cargo – about 40-45% of national trade each – KPT recorded a profit of Rs 10 billion, much less than PQT’s Rs 40-45 billion.
Sheikh attributed KPT’s lower profits to an increase in headcount, with 11,000 employees compared to PQT’s 4,000 to 4,500, and inefficiencies such as overtime payments. He suggested redeploying excess KPT staff to PQT to improve manpower utilization.
However, Sheikh acknowledged that KPT’s profits had increased five-fold, rising from Rs2 billion in 2023 to Rs10 billion in 2024, partly due to the outsourcing of berths to international operators such as Abu Dhabi Ports.
The minister announced plans to develop a new port in Kitti Bandar in cooperation with the Sindh government. This project aims to reduce coal-related pollution by facilitating the transportation of Thar coal. The feasibility report is expected to be issued in the coming months.
During the Kholi Kashahri session, Sheikh communicated directly with maritime employees and industry stakeholders, addressing their concerns and suggestions. He emphasized finding quick solutions to the issues raised, and strengthening the cooperative approach to advance the maritime sector.
“Our efforts aim to make Pakistan’s maritime industry an important contributor to the national economy,” he concluded.