The federal government has launched a long term master plan to develop a Port Industrial Complex at Port Qasim, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base, increasing exports, and enhancing the port’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. The plan was unveiled by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a high level meeting on the project.
The minister stated that the integrated and phased development of Port Qasim is designed to transform it into a globally competitive industrial and logistics centre. The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national priorities of industrialisation, trade expansion, and blue economy growth, while ensuring sustainability and long term economic resilience.
According to the minister, the climate resilient Port Qasim Industrial Complex could generate tens of billions of dollars in economic impact over the next two decades. The project is expected to boost exports, attract domestic and foreign investment, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and position Pakistan as a competitive industrial and trading hub in the region.
The master plan covers an area exceeding 14,590 acres and has been structured to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations, and sustainable land use over a fifty year horizon. The minister noted that such long range planning reflects the government’s commitment to continuity, investor confidence, and economic stability.
The industrial complex has been divided into three dedicated zones to support diverse economic activities. The North Western Zone, spanning 3,061 acres, has been allocated for value added manufacturing and port linked ancillary services. The Eastern Zone, covering 7,273 acres, will serve as the primary industrial backbone, hosting heavy industries, export oriented units, and logistics facilities.
The South Western Zone, spread across 2,258 acres, has been designated for specialised industrial and commercial uses, while nearly 1,997 acres of low lying land will be developed in phases with environmental safeguards. Currently, Port Qasim hosts 833 operational units and 40 under construction, underscoring strong investor confidence and reinforcing its emergence as a dynamic industrial ecosystem driving Pakistan’s economic transformation.
