The government announced a comprehensive package of fiscal incentives, effective March 18, 2026, to enhance the regional competitiveness of its ports. Measures include tariff and cargo discounts, notably up to a 60pc reduction in port tariffs for vessels carrying at least 50pc transhipment cargo, and a 50pc discount on wet cargo charges for large container ships at Karachi and Port Qasim.

Karachi Port recorded a sharp surge in transhipment volumes in March, handling about 11,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), far exceeding the 8,300 TEUs handled in all of 2025. Global lines, such as Hapag-Lloyd and OOCL, have added or planned calls, indicating early traction. Port Qasim has also seen steady growth, supported by available capacity of over 8,000 TEUs and additional yard space.

Source: Dawn