Port Qasim sets 25-year plan to tackle water constraints

April 14, 2026 (MLN): A committee has been formed to address persistent water supply and management issues at Port Qasim, with a mandate to deliver recommendations by the end of April, including a 25-year sustainability plan and cost estimates.

The development came as water availability remains a critical operational constraint for one of Pakistan’s largest deep-sea ports, potentially affecting industrial activity, cargo handling efficiency, and future expansion plans tied to the country’s maritime and logistics sector.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a review during his visit to the port, where officials briefed him on ongoing infrastructure projects, investment pipelines, and industrial development initiatives, according to the press release.

The committee, comprising members of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) board and senior officials, is expected to outline both short-term mitigation steps and long-term resource planning to support rising demand.

Port Qasim handles a significant share of Pakistan’s bulk cargo, including coal, LNG, and industrial raw materials, and supports key sectors such as textiles, steel, and energy.

Any disruption in water supply can have downstream effects on industrial output, particularly in adjacent industrial zones that rely on stable utilities for operations.

During the visit, progress on logistics upgrades, industrial expansion, and port infrastructure was reviewed, with a focus on aligning capacity with increasing cargo volumes.

Authorities are also advancing projects such as a multipurpose terminal aimed at diversifying cargo handling capabilities and the Eastern Industrial Zone to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

The minister directed acceleration of critical infrastructure, including a treatment plant and a dual carriageway, which are considered essential for operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

He also reviewed the “Sea to Steel” initiative, designed to integrate maritime trade with domestic industrial production and reduce reliance on imports.

In parallel, proposals for renewable energy integration, including wind and solar power, are under consideration to lower energy costs and improve sustainability metrics at the port.

Plans related to the Coastal Economic Zone were also discussed, positioning it as a future hub for industrial and commercial activity linked to maritime trade.

The outcome of the committee’s recommendations is likely to shape long-term infrastructure planning and investment flows at Port Qasim, with implications for Pakistan’s logistics efficiency, industrial growth, and broader blue economy strategy.

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