KICT Rejects Reports of Operational Crisis; Denies 38,000 Container Backlog Claims. -

Management at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) has categorically rejected reports of an operational crisis, dismissing claims of a massive backlog as “misleading and factually incorrect” in a statement issued on February 10, 2026.

The terminal’s clarification comes in response to media reports alleging that over 38,000 containers remained undelivered and that customs authorities had issued a warning of legal action.

Facts Shared by KICT Management

KICT has provided a detailed rebuttal to the specific allegations circulating in the media:

Impossible Backlog Figures: KICT stated that the reported figure of 38,000 undelivered containers is “operationally impossible,” as it is more than double the total holding capacity of the terminal.
No Operational Crisis: The terminal confirms there is no examination backlog, and no containers released by Customs are being held back from delivery.
Correction on Warning Notice: Reports that the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement West issued a warning notice to KICT CEO Naveed Qureshi have been declared inaccurate.
Expansion & Collaboration: KICT continues to work closely with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), which provides additional yard space during high-volume periods to ensure uninterrupted service. Shareholders are also already discussing long-term expansion and modernization plans with the government.
Transparency: The terminal management has invited any competent authority to verify their real-time gate systems and yard inventory records to confirm smooth operations.