A Saudi business delegation has visited Karachi’s ports to explore investment in port infrastructure, logistics and green initiatives, in the latest sign of growing Saudi private-sector interest in Pakistan’s maritime trade.
The delegation, led by Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi chapter of the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council, visited the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited on Monday, November 9, 2026. Pakistani authorities briefed the visitors on investment opportunities and ongoing modernisation projects at the ports.
What happened?
The delegation toured Karachi’s main port facilities and held discussions with port officials about where Saudi investors could take part in Pakistan’s maritime sector. The briefings focused on 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, recognising their scope for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed also briefed the delegation on plans to expand terminal infrastructure and improve transport links, including the proposed M-10 Port Link, the KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor, the ML-1 railway linkage and the East-West Wharves Connectivity Bridge.
At Port Qasim, the delegation explored the Multipurpose Cargo Terminal, the Integrated Container Terminal and the Import/Re-export Auto Zone, and proposed exploring potential projects relating to petroleum storage facilities and mineral refineries.
Key details
- The Saudi delegation was led by Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi chapter of the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council.
- The visit covered the Karachi Port Trust, the Port Qasim Authority and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited on November 9, 2026.
- The proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi was valued at approximately $5.4 billion in a proposal under evaluation by the port authority, with feasibility studies expected to take up to 18 months and construction potentially beginning in 2028.
- In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi and Pakistani partners to explore developing the Maritime Business District on Karachi’s MT Khan Road.
- Karachi Port handled a record 55.48 million tons of cargo and 2.75 million container units in the 2025-26 financial year, according to KPT figures.
- The visit follows the November 9 announcement of a joint Saudi-Pakistani private equity fund, with 75 percent of its capital earmarked for investment in Pakistan.
What it means for people in Pakistan
If Saudi investment follows, Karachi’s ports could see faster modernisation, better cargo handling and new logistics and industrial activity around the proposed business district. That matters for exporters and importers who depend on the ports, and for jobs in shipping, warehousing and related services in Karachi. For now, though, the visit is an expression of interest rather than a signed deal — the Maritime Business District proposal is still under evaluation, and any investment will depend on feasibility studies and final agreements.
