China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has presented a Conceptual Master Plan for a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder, near Karachi in Sindh province. The proposal was shared with President Asif Ali Zardari.
Phase-I of the project centres on a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay. The preliminary engineering cost for this phase is estimated at $522.34 million. The overall plan includes multiple terminals, logistics facilities, and supporting infrastructure to create a new maritime gateway.
President Zardari welcomed the presentation and said Keti Bunder has strong potential to become an additional port for Pakistan. He stressed the need for an integrated approach. This means the port must be developed together with good road links, reliable power and water supply, and industrial facilities.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting the sensitive Indus Delta ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Keti Bunder has been discussed for years as a possible third major port alongside Karachi and Port Qasim. The location sits in the Indus Delta and has been linked to earlier China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ideas. The project is still at an early stage. Financing and exact implementation details have not yet been finalised.
If developed carefully, the port could increase Pakistan’s cargo handling capacity, support trade, and improve connectivity. Further technical work between CHEC and Pakistani authorities will now take place.