Pakistan President backs Keti Bunder port development

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed support for the development of the Keti Bunder port in Sindh province to enhance the nation’s maritime network, trade, and connectivity. The project, located approximately 150 kilometers from Karachi, has gained renewed interest following a surge in regional transshipment activity.

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) presented a conceptual master plan for the development, which envisions a new deep-water maritime gateway featuring multiple terminals and logistics infrastructure. The preliminary cost for Phase-I, which includes a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-meter quay, is estimated at $522.34 million. The project is linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah indicated that the project aims to create a maritime, fisheries, and petroleum economic corridor. Initial phases are expected to include mini fish-harbours, seafood export processing units, and petroleum terminals, with the long-term goal of establishing a complete commercial deep-sea port to attract significant domestic and foreign investment.