Pakistan is located in South Asia, sharing borders with India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, China to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south. It is endowed with various types of ports due to its extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea and its inland waterways:
- Sea Ports: Pakistan has several sea ports along its coastline, serving as vital hubs for maritime trade and transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Karachi Port: Located in Karachi, the largest city and economic hub of Pakistan, Karachi Port is the country’s busiest port, handling the majority of its maritime cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products.
- Port Qasim: Situated near Karachi, Port Qasim is Pakistan’s second busiest port and a major contributor to the country’s trade and industrial activities. It primarily handles bulk cargo, including coal, iron ore, and LNG.
- Gwadar Port: Located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, Gwadar Port is strategically significant due to its proximity to key maritime routes and its potential to serve as a gateway for trade between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
- River Ports: Pakistan has river ports along the Indus River, which flows through the country from north to south. These river ports primarily serve domestic transportation and trade. Notable river ports include:
- Port Muhammad Bin Qasim: This river port is located near the mouth of the Indus River and serves as an important terminal for the export of bulk cargo, particularly agricultural products.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Pakistan play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near major cities and industrial zones. Examples include:
- Lahore Dry Port: Located in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab province, Lahore Dry Port is one of Pakistan’s largest inland terminals, facilitating the handling of containerized cargo and trade with neighboring countries.
- Islamabad International Airport Cargo Terminal: Situated near the capital city of Islamabad, this cargo terminal provides air freight services and serves as a key hub for the transportation of goods.
- Border Crossings: Pakistan has several border crossings with neighboring countries, facilitating land-based trade and transportation. Major border crossings include:
- Wagah Border: This crossing links Pakistan with India and serves as a significant trade route between the two countries, particularly for goods transported by road.
- Torkham Border: Located on the border with Afghanistan, Torkham Border facilitates trade and travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, serving as a crucial link for regional connectivity and commerce.
List of Largest Ports in Pakistan
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Karachi | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Port Qasim | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 700 |
| Gwadar Port | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 600 |
| Port Muhammad Bin Qasim | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Port of Sialkot | Container, Bulk | 400 |
| Port of Lahore | Container, Bulk | 300 |
| Port of Faisalabad | Container, Bulk | 250 |
| Port of Multan | Container, Bulk | 200 |
| Port of Islamabad | Container, Bulk | 180 |
| Port of Peshawar | Container, Bulk | 150 |
| Port of Rawalpindi | Container, Bulk | 120 |
| Port of Quetta | Container, Bulk | 100 |
| Port of Sukkur | Container, Bulk | 80 |
| Port of Gujranwala | Container, Bulk | 70 |
| Port of Hyderabad | Container, Bulk | 60 |
Major Ports of Pakistan
1. Port of Karachi
The Port of Karachi is the busiest and largest port in Pakistan, handling around 60% of the country’s cargo. Located in the southern part of the country along the Arabian Sea, the port has two major facilities: Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Karachi Port is primarily responsible for handling general cargo, while Port Qasim specializes in bulk and containerized cargo. The port serves as a critical hub for trade between Pakistan, the Middle East, and other global markets, and it is a vital center for petroleum imports and exports.
City Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Latitude: 24.8607° N
Longitude: 67.0011° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 160 | N5 |
| Sukkur | 500 | N55 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Lahore | 1,200 | N5 |
| Islamabad | 1,400 | M1 |
| Multan | 1,100 | N70 |
| Gwadar | 600 | N10 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Bin Qasim Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Hyderabad Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Lahore Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Sukkur Railway Station (Pakistan)
2. Port Qasim
Port Qasim, located just east of Karachi, is a deep-water seaport that handles bulk, containerized, and industrial cargo. It is a major port for handling liquid and dry bulk cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, and fertilizers. The port has modern infrastructure and a large number of terminals, serving both domestic and international trade routes. Its strategic location near Karachi makes it an essential part of the country’s trade network.
City Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Latitude: 24.7708° N
Longitude: 67.3042° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 40 | M10 |
| Hyderabad | 180 | N5 |
| Sukkur | 500 | N55 |
| Lahore | 1,150 | N5 |
| Quetta | 620 | N25 |
| Islamabad | 1,400 | M1 |
| Multan | 1,100 | N70 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Bin Qasim Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Hyderabad Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Sukkur Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
3. Port of Gwadar
Gwadar Port is located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, along the Arabian Sea. The port has gained significant importance due to its proximity to the Middle East and its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz. Gwadar is central to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as it offers a direct route for goods from China to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The port is a key player in Pakistan’s development plans and will serve as a vital hub for trade and regional integration.
City Location: Gwadar, Pakistan
Latitude: 25.2747° N
Longitude: 62.3195° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 600 | N10 |
| Pasni | 120 | N10 |
| Turbat | 100 | N85 |
| Quetta | 670 | N25 |
| Chaman | 950 | N50 |
| Lahore | 1,550 | N5 |
| Islamabad | 1,750 | M1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gwadar Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Pasni Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Turbat Railway Station (Pakistan)
4. Port of Bin Qasim
Port of Bin Qasim, part of the greater Karachi area, is another key seaport in Pakistan. Located about 40 kilometers from the city of Karachi, it is a major deep-water port primarily handling bulk cargo, including petroleum products, coal, and iron ore. Port Bin Qasim serves as an industrial hub, particularly for the steel and fertilizer industries, and is essential for supporting the country’s heavy industries.
City Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Latitude: 24.7870° N
Longitude: 67.2462° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 40 | M10 |
| Hyderabad | 160 | N5 |
| Sukkur | 500 | N55 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Lahore | 1,200 | N5 |
| Islamabad | 1,400 | M1 |
| Multan | 1,100 | N70 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Bin Qasim Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Hyderabad Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Sukkur Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
5. Port of Pasni
Pasni is a smaller port located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, near the city of Gwadar. Though smaller in comparison to Karachi or Gwadar, Pasni Port plays an important role in regional trade, particularly for exports of seafood and other regional goods. It has a strategic location along Pakistan’s coast, which makes it valuable for shipping activities, especially in terms of local fishing industries.
City Location: Pasni, Pakistan
Latitude: 25.2282° N
Longitude: 62.4064° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gwadar | 120 | N10 |
| Karachi | 600 | N10 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Turbat | 100 | N85 |
| Chaman | 800 | N50 |
| Lahore | 1,600 | N5 |
| Islamabad | 1,750 | M1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Pasni Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Gwadar Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Turbat Railway Station (Pakistan)
6. Port of Ormara
Ormara Port is located on the southern coastline of Balochistan, serving as a smaller, but important, harbor for trade activities in the region. It handles primarily bulk cargo, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Although Ormara is not as large as other ports like Karachi or Gwadar, its strategic location near the Arabian Sea makes it an important entry point for trade.
City Location: Ormara, Pakistan
Latitude: 25.0404° N
Longitude: 64.6391° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gwadar | 200 | N10 |
| Karachi | 550 | N10 |
| Pasni | 180 | N10 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Turbat | 500 | N85 |
| Chaman | 950 | N50 |
| Lahore | 1,650 | N5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ormara Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Gwadar Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Pasni Railway Station (Pakistan)
7. Port of Mubarak
Mubarak Port is a small port located in the southern part of Balochistan. It is primarily used for trade in oil, chemicals, and some bulk cargo. Its location along the Arabian Sea gives it strategic value, although it handles significantly less traffic than larger ports such as Karachi. The port serves as an entry point for petroleum products and other regional goods.
City Location: Mubarak, Pakistan
Latitude: 24.6857° N
Longitude: 66.6875° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 470 | N10 |
| Pasni | 230 | N10 |
| Gwadar | 350 | N10 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Turbat | 550 | N85 |
| Chaman | 800 | N50 |
| Lahore | 1,600 | N5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mubarak Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Pasni Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Gwadar Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
8. Port of Keti Bunder
Keti Bunder is located along the southeastern coast of Sindh, Pakistan. It is primarily used for handling bulk cargo, especially in the agricultural and mineral sectors. The port is crucial for exports such as rice and other agricultural products. While small, Keti Bunder’s location along the Arabian Sea gives it a strategic position for trade routes in the region.
City Location: Keti Bunder, Pakistan
Latitude: 24.7025° N
Longitude: 67.4728° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 125 | N5 |
| Thatta | 80 | N5 |
| Hyderabad | 200 | N5 |
| Sukkur | 450 | N55 |
| Larkana | 400 | N65 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Lahore | 1,200 | N5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Keti Bunder Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Hyderabad Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Thatta Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Sukkur Railway Station (Pakistan)
9. Port of Jiwani
Jiwani Port is a small, but strategic port located in the Balochistan region, near the border with Iran. While its capacity is limited compared to larger ports, Jiwani serves as a local gateway for trade, particularly for goods moving between Pakistan and Iran. The port is essential for the regional trade of oil, petroleum products, and general cargo.
City Location: Jiwani, Pakistan
Latitude: 25.0280° N
Longitude: 61.7690° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gwadar | 60 | N10 |
| Pasni | 120 | N10 |
| Karachi | 600 | N10 |
| Quetta | 650 | N25 |
| Turbat | 500 | N85 |
| Chaman | 950 | N50 |
| Lahore | 1,600 | N5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Jiwani Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Gwadar Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Karachi Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Quetta Railway Station (Pakistan)
- Pasni Railway Station (Pakistan)