KARACHI: Pakistan operated the Karachi Port on Eid Al-Fitr for the first time in its 138-year history, the maritime affairs minister said on Saturday, in a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted trade and cargo handling during the religious holiday.
The decision comes as global supply chains face disruption due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, prompting governments to prioritize continuity in logistics and trade flows.
Karachi Port is Pakistan’s primary maritime gateway, handling a significant share of the country’s imports and exports, making uninterrupted operations critical for economic activity.
“Ports remained fully operational on Eid day to facilitate exporters and importers,” Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.
He said the move marked the first time since the establishment of the Karachi Port Trust that cargo handling activities continued on the first day of Eid, describing it as a step toward ensuring trade continuity.
Officials said operations remained active across key terminals, including the Karachi International Container Terminal and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, with port staff, customs authorities and dock workers maintaining services despite the public holiday.
Chaudhry said a substantial number of import and export containers were expected to be processed during Eid and the subsequent holidays without delays, reflecting round-the-clock operational readiness.
The minister said the decision was part of broader efforts to support the business community and maintain economic momentum during a period of global uncertainty.
He added that authorities were also exploring options to expand feeder shipping services between Pakistan and the Middle East to further strengthen trade connectivity.
