AD Ports Group Opens First Representative Office in Islamabad, Deepening Strategic Commitment to Pakistan and the Region

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The AD Ports Group has officially launched its first representative office in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s international expansion and underscoring its long-term commitment to enhancing trade and logistics connectivity across South and Central Asia.

Strategically situated near Pakistan’s key federal ministries, regulatory authorities, and state-owned enterprises, the new Islamabad office complements the Group’s global network of over 140 offices and will serve as a pivotal platform to strengthen government engagement, advance infrastructure and trade initiatives, and support strategic partnerships in ports, maritime, logistics, and industrial development sectors.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior Pakistani and Emirati officials, highlighting the growing strategic cooperation between the two nations. Notable attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarrar, and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi.

Representing the United Arab Emirates were UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, Regional CEOs of AD Ports Group Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi and AbdulAziz Al Balooshi, and other senior executives, reflecting the depth of bilateral ties and shared aspirations for regional economic development.

The opening of the Islamabad office follows a series of major investments by AD Ports Group in Pakistan, including a US$295 million commitment for the development and enhancement of container, bulk, and general cargo terminals at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. These investments are central to the Group’s strategy to transform Pakistan into a regional trade and logistics hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated:

“The opening of our Islamabad office represents a key milestone in our global expansion strategy and underlines our deep and enduring commitment to Pakistan. This move will enable closer collaboration with government entities and strategic partners, positioning AD Ports Group as a key contributor to Pakistan’s economic transformation. Our growing footprint, underpinned by significant investments in critical port infrastructure, aligns with our wise leadership’s vision for trade facilitation, industrial diversification, and sustainable development.”

Pakistan’s strategic geographical location as a maritime gateway to Central Asia positions it at the heart of AD Ports Group’s vision to develop an integrated trade corridor spanning from China to Europe. The Group has already made strategic inroads in countries along this corridor, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

In 2022, AD Ports Group entered Pakistan’s market through a 50-year concession to develop and operate container terminal berths 6–10 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf, in partnership with Kaheel Terminals. This was followed in 2023 by a second 50-year concession to develop and manage berths 11–17 for general and bulk cargo. Through its local operating arm, Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), the Group has introduced world-class operational systems, advanced equipment, and global best practices, resulting in enhanced productivity, shorter vessel turnaround times, and increased cargo throughput.

These efforts have significantly improved Karachi Port’s status as a regional logistics hub and have bolstered Pakistan’s export infrastructure, contributing to the country’s broader economic diversification goals.

AD Ports Group is also actively pursuing strategic collaborations to expand its integrated logistics and digital trade ecosystem in Pakistan. Key initiatives include:

• A Memorandum of Understanding with the Pakistan Board of Investment to explore the development of a dedicated industrial zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
• A strategic partnership with Pakistan Single Window to co-develop a unified digital trade platform, streamlining customs and trade procedures.
• A collaboration with Bahria Foundation to enhance dredging, marine services, and vessel pooling capabilities.
• A project by Noatum Logistics, an AD Ports Group subsidiary, in partnership with KGTL, to establish a multi-modal logistics corridor linking Pakistan with Central Asia through integrated air, sea, and land transportation, along with warehousing, distribution, and cold chain services.

These initiatives aim to modernise Pakistan’s trade and logistics infrastructure, attract foreign direct investment, and promote regional economic integration.

The establishment of the Islamabad office is expected to accelerate project implementation, facilitate closer coordination with key stakeholders, and provide strong institutional support for the Group’s expanding activities across Pakistan, reaffirming its role as a long-term strategic partner in the country’s economic advancement.