DP World’s road freight JV in Pakistan is advancing: UAE’s DP World got the green light to form its new joint venture with Pakistan’s state-owned National Logistics Corporation (NLC) after the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) approved a pre-merger application for the JV initiative, according to a statement. The JV will focus on road freight logistics, but no details on specific projects or investments were made.

The breakdown: The NLC will hold a majority 60% share in the JV, while DP World will get the remaining 40% stake.

Not the first we’ve heard: Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) launched a multimodal logistics route — named the Transports Internationalaux Routiers — linking the UAE to China via northern Pakistan’s Khunjerab Pass in December. The route will see the NLC deploy trucks to connect Kashgar, China, to Pakistan’s Karachi, and shipping services operated by DP World linking Karachi Port and Jebel Ali Port.

DP World’s got its eye on Pakistan: The logistics giant inked a term sheet with Pakistan’s Special investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for the development of a 50 km rail-based freight corridor linking Karachi Port to the Pipri Marshalling Yard in January.

UAE logistics players are flocking to Pakistan: 2025 has seen several UAE players ink investment agreements in Pakistan’s rail, freezones, and other logistics-related sectors. In March, UAE’s International Freezones Authority signed an MoU to invest in Pakistan’s special economic zones, and AD Ports inked several agreements to develop an industrial zone near Karachi Port and Qasim Port and cooperate in maritime services and freight forwarding. UAE’s Etihad Rail is also exploring possible rail developments in the country.

REMEMBER- The government of Dubai signed two investment framework agreements with Pakistan to cooperate on railways, economic zones, and infrastructure a year ago.

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