Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to assess operational efficiency at Pakistan’s ports. The discussion focused on tackling port congestion, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving logistics systems to support imports, exports, and overall economic growth, according to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
Participants reviewed proposals aimed at reducing turnaround times, ensuring smoother cargo handling, and modernising port infrastructure. Dar stressed that streamlining processes and adopting modern systems is essential to strengthening Pakistan’s position in regional and global trade.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Pakistan Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, representatives from the Special Investment Facilitation Council, National Logistics Corporation Director General Major General Farrukh Shahzad, and senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The review comes shortly after the federal government’s July 19 decision to cut port charges at Karachi Port by 50 per cent. Announced by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the measure is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint of trade logistics.
The reforms include halving port handling, vessel, and storage fees, as well as cancelling a planned annual 5 per cent increase in charges. The initiative is expected to benefit dry bulk exporters, reduce port congestion, and lower emissions through faster and more efficient operations.
Related stories:
