Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed authorities to reduce various port charges, introduce a transparent system for auctioning abandoned cargo, and establish separate yards for such cargo at different ports across the country.
The directives were issued during a meeting of the private sector working group on ports and economic growth, chaired by the Prime Minister. The working group presented recommendations to improve facilities and implement reforms for the business community.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that ports play a vital role in promoting business and economic development in Pakistan. He urged better coordination among port-related agencies to minimize cargo dwell time and facilitate trade.
The Prime Minister instructed that port charges be further reduced, a transparent auction system for abandoned cargo be implemented, and separate yards for abandoned cargo be established with the support of internationally reputed companies. He also called for the establishment of initial testing labs at ports to eliminate unnecessary laboratory tests on cargo.
He further directed that dredging and expansion work at all ports be accelerated to accommodate larger vessels and that rail connectivity from ports to inland areas be enhanced for smoother cargo transport.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the working group, led by Ziad Bashir, for presenting practical and effective recommendations. Ziad Bashir noted that the transparent privatization of PIA has significantly increased confidence among Pakistan’s business community and that work on the National Ports Master Plan is progressing rapidly.
The briefing highlighted that the Port Community System has recently become operational, and port fees are being reduced, including a more than 50 percent reduction in bulk cargo fees at Port Qasim. Investments in various ports are improving operational efficiency, and an E-Bidding system for abandoned cargo auctions will soon allow participants nationwide to bid online.
Officials also confirmed that tenders for the expansion and dredging of Karachi ports have been issued and work will commence soon.
