Saudi Delegation Explores $5.4bn Karachi Port Investment
A high-level Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud has expressed interest in Karachi port investment, terminal infrastructure expansion, logistics connectivity and green port initiatives, as Pakistan seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen its maritime trade infrastructure. The delegation’s visits to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited highlighted potential opportunities for Saudi-Pakistan maritime investment and joint ventures in the country’s port and logistics sector.
The discussions come as Pakistan pursues port modernization, maritime infrastructure development and international trade expansion to strengthen its position in regional shipping and logistics networks. Investment opportunities presented to the Saudi representatives included the proposed Maritime Business District, terminal expansion, freight corridors and green port projects.
Prince Mansour, chairman of the Saudi chapter of the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council, led the delegation during visits to the three major port facilities. Officials briefed the representatives on ongoing modernization initiatives and potential investment opportunities, particularly the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi and the development of Manora Shipyard.
According to a KPT statement, Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in the Maritime Business District, green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and connectivity projects, recognizing their potential for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures.
In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi and Pakistani partners to explore developing the Maritime Business District along Karachi’s MT Khan Road. The proposed project involves Saudi Business Council–Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium, with the aim of accommodating commercial and maritime businesses.
The development was subsequently valued at approximately $5.4 billion in a proposal under evaluation by the port authority. According to KPT officials quoted by Arab News in July, feasibility studies were expected to take up to 18 months, with construction potentially beginning in 2028.
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KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed also briefed the delegation on plans to expand terminal infrastructure and improve transport connectivity. The proposed projects include the M-10 Port Link, KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor, ML-1 railway linkage and East-West Wharves Connectivity Bridge.
Karachi Port handled a record 55.48 million tons of cargo and 2.75 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the 2025-26 financial year, according to KPT figures.
At Port Qasim, the delegation explored commercial collaboration and investment opportunities in port infrastructure and industrial facilities. PQA said the representatives showed particular interest in the Multipurpose Cargo Terminal, Integrated Container Terminal and Import/Re-export Auto Zone. The delegation also proposed exploring potential projects involving petroleum storage facilities and mineral refineries.
Port Qasim Authority (PQA) said the visit reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening business ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, facilitating investment and promoting joint ventures to strengthen Port Qasim’s role as a regional maritime, trade and logistics hub.
The delegation also visited South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where members reviewed cargo-handling facilities and terminal operations.
The growing economic engagement comes alongside closer defence cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic mutual defence agreement in September 2025. In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries is considered an attack against all.
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The Saudi delegation’s interest in Karachi’s port infrastructure reflects the expanding scope of bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in maritime trade, logistics and industrial development. The proposed Maritime Business District, terminal expansion and transport connectivity projects offer potential avenues for investment in Pakistan’s maritime sector. Their implementation, however, remains subject to feasibility assessments, investment decisions and the necessary arrangements between the participating parties.
