ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday called for integrated development of Keti Bunder Port with focus on connectivity and local livelihoods, as a Chinese delegation presented a preliminary engineering cost estimate of approximately US522.34 million.

The president made the remarks while speaking during a presentation on the proposed development of Keti Bunder Port by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), according to a statement shared on his X account.

Welcoming the Chinese delegation, he appreciated China’s continued interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime development, the statement said.

Keti Bunder Port is a minor seaport and proposed deep-water maritime gateway located in the Indus River delta in the Thatta District of Sindh.

The president called for an “integrated approach” to the proposed development of Keti Bunder Port, stressing that the project should be supported by reliable road connectivity, power and water supply, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities, the statement said.

He said that Keti Bunder had significant potential as an “additional maritime gateway” that could strengthen Pakistan’s port and logistics network and support greater connectivity and trade.

“He emphasised the need for close technical coordination between the Chinese side and relevant Pakistani authorities,” said the statement.

President Zardari also stressed that environmental sustainability should remain a key consideration, particularly the protection of the fragile ecosystem of the Indus Delta and the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities.

He encouraged continued technical engagement to further refine the master plan and identify an appropriate implementation and financing framework, the statement said.

The Chinese delegation presented the Conceptual Master Plan for Keti Bunder Port, envisaging a new deep-water maritime gateway with multiple terminals, logistics, and supporting infrastructure.

The proposed Phase-I development included a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-meter quay, with a preliminary engineering cost estimate of approximately US$522.34 million, it added.

The statement said that the Chinese delegation comprised Wu Ping, Chief Representative of CHEC in Pakistan, Wang Zongde, Head of Marketing Department, and Xu Tielin, Engineer, along with Mr Ali Raza, GM of Strategy and Marketing.

Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Minister for Energy, P&D Mr Nasir Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Investment & Public Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, and Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah also attended the meeting.

Pakistan's push for the integrated development of Keti Bunder Port comes as global trade routes face significant disruption and traffic at Pakistani ports continues to rise.