AD Ports Group opens Islamabad office, expanding presence in Pakistan

(Posted on 11/08/25)

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has officially launched its first representative office in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s international growth journey and its long-term commitment to enabling trade and logistics across South and Central Asia.

Complimenting the Group’s global network of more than 140 offices, and strategically located in close proximity to Pakistan’s key federal ministries, regulatory bodies, and state-owned enterprises, the new office will serve as a critical platform for deepening engagement with government stakeholders and advancing priority infrastructure and trade initiatives. As a client-facing and administrative hub, the Islamabad office will also support ongoing operations and facilitate strategic partnerships in the ports, maritime, logistics, and industrial development sectors.

The opening of the Islamabad office follows a series of high-impact investments by AD Ports Group in Pakistan, including USD 295 million committed towards the development and enhancement of bulk, container and general cargo terminals at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. These investments are central to the Group’s strategy to support the transformation of Pakistan into a regional trade and logistics hub.

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.”

Pakistan holds a strategic geographic position as a maritime gateway to Central Asia, making it a vital component of AD Ports Group’s broader vision for developing an integrated trade corridor spanning from China to Europe. The Group has already made strategic inroads into key markets along this corridor, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

In 2022, AD Ports Group entered the Pakistani market through a landmark 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 by a second 50-year concession signed in 2023 to develop and manage berths 11–17 for general and bulk cargo. Through its operating entity, Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), the Group has introduced world-class operational systems, advanced equipment, and global best practices to significantly enhance terminal productivity, reduce vessel dwell times, and increase cargo throughput.

These enhancements have elevated Karachi Port’s standing as a key logistics hub, boosting the resilience and competitiveness of Pakistan’s export infrastructure and contributing to the country’s economic diversification agenda.