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KARACHI, June 24 ,2026 : The deteriorating condition of roads leading to East Wharf and West Wharf at Karachi Port continues to hamper import and export activities despite directives issued by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for their immediate repair, business leaders said on Tuesday.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister had directed Karachi Mayor Syed Murtaza Wahab to address the issue after the matter was raised by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh. Subsequently, Section Officer VII Dhani Bux Bhutto issued a formal letter instructing the mayor to ensure necessary action and update progress on the Chief Minister’s portal.
However, four months after the issuance of the directive, no significant improvement has been made to the road infrastructure connecting East Wharf and West Wharf, resulting in continued difficulties for transporters, exporters, importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders linked to port operations.
Expressing concern over the situation, FPCCI Advisory Council for the Maritime Sector Chairman Tariq Haleem said uninterrupted movement to and from the port was essential for smooth trade operations. He stressed that the poor condition of the roads was causing delays in cargo transportation and adversely affecting commercial activities.
In separate letters addressed to the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, Atif Ikram Sheikh pointed out that Karachi Port handles a substantial portion of the country’s maritime trade, including containerized cargo, petroleum products, bulk commodities and industrial raw materials.
He stated that continuous movement of heavy vehicles, rising container traffic, lack of timely maintenance and outdated road designs had severely damaged the road network serving the port. He added that excessive dust, mud, debris, solid waste and poor traffic management had further worsened the situation, particularly on the stretch from Jinnah Flyover to West Wharf Road.
The FPCCI president identified deep potholes, severe surface damage, chronic traffic congestion, vehicle breakdowns and road accidents among the major issues affecting port connectivity. He said these factors had increased transportation and maintenance costs while causing delays in cargo handling and delivery.
According to him, the deteriorating infrastructure is negatively affecting port efficiency, business confidence and government revenues. He warned that continued neglect of the issue could further damage Karachi Port’s reputation and undermine the city’s role as the country’s principal trade gateway.
Atif Ikram Sheikh urged Karachi Port Trust and other relevant authorities to take immediate corrective measures, emphasizing that rehabilitation of the roads was vital for ensuring smooth trade operations and supporting national economic growth.
