China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has proposed an estimated $522.34 million engineering cost for the first phase of a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder near Karachi, as Pakistan moves to expand its maritime infrastructure, logistics capacity and regional trade connectivity.
CHEC presented a conceptual master plan for the Keti Bunder port project to President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting on Monday, outlining plans for a new maritime gateway comprising multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure.
According to the presentation by the Chinese company, the first phase of the Keti Bunder deep-water port would include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay.
Keti Bunder port project
President Zardari welcomed the proposed development and said Keti Bunder had strong potential to become an additional maritime gateway for Pakistan.
The president said the proposed port could strengthen Pakistan’s existing port and logistics network, improve connectivity and facilitate trade by providing additional maritime infrastructure near Karachi.
He directed that the project be planned as an integrated development rather than as a standalone port facility. This would require reliable road connectivity, electricity, water supply, industrial infrastructure and other supporting facilities to ensure the port can operate efficiently.
Zardari also stressed the importance of close technical coordination between China Harbour Engineering Company and Pakistani authorities as the conceptual master plan is further developed.
Environmental protection remains a key concern
The proposed Keti Bunder port development is located in an environmentally sensitive area, prompting President Zardari to emphasize the need for strong environmental safeguards.
He particularly highlighted the importance of protecting the Indus Delta ecosystem while ensuring that the development does not adversely affect local fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on the coastal environment.
The president called for continued technical discussions between Pakistani authorities and CHEC to refine the proposed master plan and establish an appropriate implementation and financing framework for the project.
CHEC delegation meets Pakistani officials
The CHEC delegation included the company’s Chief Representative in Pakistan Wu Ping, Head of Marketing Department Wang Zongde, Engineer Xu Tielin and General Manager of Strategy and Marketing Ali Raza.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Energy and Planning and Development Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Investment and Public Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, and Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah.
What the Keti Bunder port could mean for Pakistan
The proposed Keti Bunder deep-water port could expand Pakistan’s maritime capacity and provide an additional gateway for cargo and logistics activity in Sindh.
The project also has the potential to support industrial development and improve road-to-port connectivity if the required supporting infrastructure is developed alongside the port.
However, the $522.34 million cost estimate relates to the preliminary engineering proposal for the first phase. Further technical studies, planning, financing discussions and environmental considerations will be required before the project moves toward implementation.
The next stage is expected to focus on refining the Keti Bunder port master plan, assessing infrastructure requirements and determining the most suitable financing and implementation model.
