ISLAMABAD: Amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israeli war on Iran, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has handled a record volume of containerised cargo of over 2.65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025-26.

As a result, a significant amount of marine traffic, including transhipment, was shifted to Pakistan, mainly the KPT.

In a statement, KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmad said the performance demonstrated the port’s ability to accommodate rising trade volumes and support national economic objectives.

“The ongoing reforms, infrastructure upgrades and measures aimed at improving port services have contributed to the rise in cargo and container traffic,” he said, adding that Karachi Port handles a substantial share of the country’s seaborne trade and remains a critical gateway for imports and exports.

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the milestone was achieved weeks before the close of the outgoing fiscal year, underscoring growing confidence in Pakistan’s maritime sector and improved port performance.

“KPT has created history by achieving the highest-ever container handling volume in FY26,” he said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026