The United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi Ports Company has proposed to lease the terminals of Karachi Port for 50 years, marking a potential first non-competitive bidding foreign transaction. As per the proposal, Pakistan would receive an upfront payment of $50 million for fixed infrastructure and equipment, with additional fees of $18 per cross berth royalty and $3.21 per square meter. This would generate an estimated annual revenue of $23-24 million for the Karachi Port Trust. The deal is still pending approval from the federal cabinet and completing the Operations, Maintenance, Investment, and Development Agreement.
The UAE company also commits to a $100 million investment within five years and the payment of Rs2 billion in litigation charges. Pakistan may only take over the terminals during a national emergency or under supreme security conditions. The proposal also requires arbitration in London for any disputes arising from the agreement.