Pakistan’s maritime sector received a major boost as the World Bank, in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, ranked Karachi’s Port Qasim the ninth most improved container port worldwide in its Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2024.
The port recorded a 35.2-point performance leap between 2020 and 2024, marking significant progress in operational efficiency, faster cargo handling, digitalisation, and reduced waiting times. The CPPI assessed more than 400 ports globally, with Ecuador’s Posorja topping the list, followed by Gothenburg (Sweden), Marseille (France), and Philadelphia (USA). India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port was ranked 10th, just below Port Qasim.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry welcomed the achievement as “a matter of national pride,” attributing it to sustained reforms, regulatory improvements, and investment in digital tools. He also praised private operators, particularly DP World’s Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), for maintaining international standards.
The government has recently cleared a long-delayed dredging project to deepen Port Qasim’s channel, enabling larger vessels to dock and expanding trade capacity. New berths and storage facilities are also planned to boost exports.
Port Qasim Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas (Retd) credited the workforce for driving innovation and efficiency through continuous digitalisation and infrastructure upgrades. He reaffirmed PQA’s commitment to further enhancing competitiveness in global shipping.
Officials emphasised that the recognition strengthens Pakistan’s credentials as a regional logistics hub connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, China, and beyond. With Karachi and Gwadar ports also undergoing modernisation, Port Qasim’s rise reinforces Pakistan’s broader vision of transforming maritime gateways into engines of trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
Related stories:
Port Qasim Expansion Announced To Boost Pakistan Exports
Pakistan Plans Saudi Port, Shipping Projects for Logistics Hub
