AD Ports Group opens Islamabad Office, cementing long-term commitment to Pakistan

Abu Dhabi: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, logistics, and industry, has officially opened its first representative office in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.

This move marks a pivotal step in the Group’s international expansion and reinforces its strategic focus on enabling trade and infrastructure growth across South and Central Asia.

Situated near Pakistan’s key federal ministries, regulatory authorities, and state-owned enterprises, the new office complements AD Ports Group’s global network of over 140 locations. It will serve as a vital platform for deepening collaboration with government stakeholders and supporting critical projects in the ports, maritime, logistics, and industrial sectors.

The new Islamabad office follows a series of major investments by AD Ports Group in Pakistan, including a USD 295 million commitment to upgrade container, bulk, and general cargo terminals at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. These efforts align with Pakistan’s vision to emerge as a major regional trade and logistics hub.

Key milestone

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “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 vision for trade facilitation, industrial diversification, and sustainable development.”

Trade corridor

Strategically located at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, Pakistan is a core component of AD Ports Group’s broader vision to develop an integrated trade corridor stretching from China to Europe. The Group has already established a presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia strengthening connectivity along this vital route.

AD Ports Group’s entry into the Pakistani market began in 2022 through a landmark 50-year concession to develop and operate berths 6—10 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf in partnership with Kaheel Terminals. A second 50-year concession followed in 2023 for berths 11—17, covering general and bulk cargo operations.

Top officials

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs; Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways; Jam Kamal Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce; Attaullah Tarrar, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Khalid Hussain Magsi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology; Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador in Pakistan; Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group; Abdul Aziz Al Balooshi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, and other senior officials, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relationship and shared vision for long-term economic cooperation.

Services

Through its operational entity, Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), AD Ports Group has introduced cutting-edge technology, global best practices, and advanced equipment. These upgrades have significantly improved terminal performance, reduced vessel dwell times, and increased cargo throughput — solidifying Karachi Port’s role as a vital logistics hub.

Beyond port operations, AD Ports Group has launched several high-impact initiatives to modernise Pakistan’s trade and logistics landscape:

• A MoU 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 build a unified digital trade platform

• A collaboration with the Bahria Foundation on dredging, marine services, and vessel pooling

• A multi-modal logistics initiative by Noatum Logistics (an AD Ports Group subsidiary), in partnership with KGTL, to link Pakistan with Central Asia through integrated air, sea, and land transport infrastructure

• These developments are expected to drive foreign direct investment, strengthen Pakistan’s export infrastructure, and promote greater regional connectivity.

With the new Islamabad office in place, AD Ports Group is well-positioned to deepen stakeholder engagement, accelerate project execution, and advance its mission to support Pakistan’s transformation into a premier regional trade gateway.