A Complete Guide To Port Qasim

Karachi is the biggest city in Pakistan. It alone contributes 42% to the GDP. The city has gained such popularity and value because of the ports. There are two major ports in Karachi; Port Qasim and Karachi Port. These ports help the import and export sector, turning Karachi into the financial hub of Pakistan.

This blog will share the details about Muhammad Bin Qasim Port AKA Port Qasim which is the second biggest port in Karachi. Like other ports in the world, it hosts ships and makes international trade easy for Pakistan. The infrastructure of Port Qasim Karachi has been built on an artificial harbor in the deep sea. It was established through an Act of parliament on 29th June 1973. Today, it is counted among the top 150 ports in the world.

Where is Port Qasim located?

Port Qasim is located in the southern part of the Malir district, adjacent to Bin Qasim Town. It is only 15 km from the national highway which makes it best for commercial activities. It connects with the national railway through six railway tracks, thus rail freight is also assisted.

It is linked to the Korangi Industrial Area, Landhi Export Processing Zone, and several automobile manufacturing industries. Moreover, Jinnah International Airport lies only 22 km away from the port.

One major reason behind Port Qasim being the busiest port is its prime location. Commercial activities are easy and cheap providing great relief to the businessmen involved. It is well connected to the hinterland through all modes of transportation. The Motorway network that leads to Afghanistan, CARs, and the CPEC routes crosses through Port Qasim.

Port Qasim Authority

Port Qasim is currently running its operations under Port Qasim Authority (PQA). The port is spread over 15474 acres and works around the clock. It has the largest industrial zone in Pakistan with more than 400 industrial/commercial units in operation.

The industrial zones of the port generate approximately 3000 MW of electricity. It is one of the biggest contributors to the national economy of Pakistan as the port handles 51% of sea trade alone. Moreover, it has an impressive growth rate of 5% in all facets of port operation.

It might come to you as a surprise that Port Qasim has paid more than eight billion rupees in taxes as of 2019-20. Moreover, the duties collection from port terminals has crossed eight hundred billion.

Future of Port Qasim

Port Qasim is already serving the country as a crucial asset. Its future looks promising as the port has enormous potential for expansion. It can help the country in more prosperous ways. There are two new LNG terminals, one container terminal, and two multipurpose berths already in the pipeline. The project is expected to provide great growth to the economy of the country.

The authorities have planned to provide Port Qasim with maximum growth. The plan includes widening and deepening the main navigational channel along with commissioning of alternate channel. Moreover, there are plans to double the 26 km main access road, upgrade the existing industrial waste treatment plan, and plant another combined effluent plant.

Thus, the future of Port Qasim is full of hope and expectations. Pakistan is expecting a lot from this project and seems like Port Qasim is not going to disappoint.

Division of Port Qasim

Port Qasim is not too far from Port Karachi on the Indus river. People usually get confused and consider both ports the same. The harbor has been divided into 3 zones to make it easy for administrative activities.

1. Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ) – 8,300 acres
2. North Western Industrial Zone (NWIZ) – 2,920 acres
3. South Western Industrial Zone (SWIZ) – 1,000 acres

Pakistan Steel Mill gets a fixed amount of iron and other raw materials from Port Qasim. For this purpose, the port has dedicated one Iron Ore Coal Berth that handles and accommodates a bulk of raw material. Right now, Port Qasim has a collective (both private and governmental) total of 18 berths that annually gives around 89 million tons.

Facilities at Port Qasim

Port Qasim handles more than half of the sea trade and runs the economy of Pakistan. Apart from raw materials; oils, rice, cement, containers, mineral oils, fertilizers, coal, and even LNG (Liquefied natural gas) are imported at this port.

What's so special about Port Qasim is that it is the only Port in Pakistan that handles LNG. It serves as the primary hub of energy for Pakistan. It has advanced terminals that help import and export, eventually resulting in the growth of the economy.

Ports are not places where you can have a good day out or enjoy recreational activities. Likewise, Port Qasim has a lot of work. It handles the management of imports and export of the country. There are no recreational points at the port. However, it keeps machines that help the workers and makes their work easy.

Mostly, berthed ships at the Port are facilitated via

• Single berth Oil Terminal under Fotco Oil Terminal
• 4 berth Multipurpose Terminal under PQA
• 5 berth Container Terminal under Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT)
• Single berth Liquid Chemical Terminal under Engro Vopak Ltd.

Investment Opportunities Around Port Qasim

No one prefers to live in industrial areas. Thus, the areas around Port Qasim are not residence-friendly. However, if you look at this place from a commercial perspective; it's gold. You can easily set up a godown or factory near the port and reduce the freight expense. Import or export through your factory located near the port and save transportation expenses.

There are many food and textile factories around Port Qasim. The prices of land in this area start from around 60 lac rupees for a 200 sq. ft. area. The prices keep getting higher according to the size of the land. However, it is just an estimated price. The rates of land keep fluctuating in this area.

If you are looking for a residential area near Port Qasim, you can buy a house in Bin Qasim Town. It is the best society located in this area.

FAQs

What do you know about Port Qasim?

It was established through an Act of parliament on 29th June 1973. It is the second biggest port in Karachi that handles 51% of the sea trade. It is the only port that receives LNG in Pakistan.

How many terminals are there in Port Qasim?

There are two berths at Qasim International Container Terminal.

What is the importance of Qasim port?

It handles 51% of the sea trade in Pakistan and boosts the economy of the country.

Is Port Qasim and Karachi Port same?

No! Port Qasim and Karachi Port are two different ports.

Conclusion

Port Qasim's shipping schedule keeps changing according to the workload. It holds great importance for the economy of Pakistan. If you are in the import and export business, you must be aware of its importance. Located in a prime location, this port is expected to accelerate Pakistan's economy. With great hopes and a better future for Pakistan, Redbox closes the guide to Port Qasim.