Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has set a new all-time high by handling 55.44 million tons of cargo in the financial year 2025-26. This is up 2.76 percent from 53.95 million tons in the previous year. The figure also beats the earlier record of 54.685 million tons set in FY 2017-18, marking the strongest performance in the port’s 138-year history.
Imports led the growth. They rose 5.82 percent to 35.91 million tons. Exports fell 2.44 percent to 19.53 million tons. Dry bulk cargo showed the biggest jump, rising 12.41 percent to 9.06 million tons. Liquid bulk cargo grew 7.93 percent to 13.35 million tons. Dry general cargo slightly declined by 1.45 percent to 33.13 million tons.
Container handling also improved. KPT managed 2.75 million TEUs, a 3.67 percent rise from the year before. South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL) kept the top share at 59.6 percent. Karachi International Container Terminal held 24.7 percent, while Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) took 15.5 percent and recorded the fastest growth among terminals.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry earlier praised the progress, linking it to better efficiency, stronger management, and expanded capacity. KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed also credited the team’s hard work and improved operations.
The strong results support Pakistan’s goal of becoming a key regional trade and maritime hub. Officials continue to focus on modernising ports, improving logistics, and attracting more investment to keep the momentum going.