Major Expansion Planned at Port Qasim to Boost Cement, Clinker Exports: Minister

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a series of initiatives to boost cement and clinker exports by improving port infrastructure and operational capacity, with a particular focus on Port Qasim. Chairing a meeting, he said a subcommittee representing all major ports, headed by Port Qasim Authority chief Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas, has finalized key recommendations to accelerate export capabilities. The minister stressed the urgent need to expedite the construction of two additional multi-purpose berths at Port Qasim, which will significantly increase the port’s capacity to handle export cargo more efficiently. To support export logistics, plans are also underway to build an additional storage facility at Port Qasim with a capacity of 30,000 metric tons. The project is expected to begin by the end of 2025 once the required formalities are completed, he added. The minister further announced that permanent repair work on the existing storage infrastructure will be undertaken, with completion targeted within four to five months, by December 2025, to ensure smooth export operations. In a major development, the Port Qasim Authority will work with the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) to explore the use of the currently underutilized Sahiwal berth for clinker exports.