Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz called on Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi in his office today whereby he was briefed about new projects the ministry is working on with a special focus on port operations during COVID-19. Ministry of Maritime Affairs at the onset of the pandemic took drastic measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in its organizations while keeping the ports operational 24/7. The minister was briefed about the record handling of 140 ships by PQA during the month of March despite the fact that regional ports had already started to close their operations in panic. In addition to the strict compliance of preventive measures at the ports as per the guidelines laid by WHO and Ministry of National Health Services, the Minister for Information was made acquainted with the paid leaves granted to daily wagers hence prioritizing employment and sustenance along with prevention in these tested times.
The Minister also lauded the waiver of demurrage charges at the Karachi Port and extension of port free time from 5 to 15 days hence facilitating the importers and exporters when the country was under lock down.
Minister for Maritime Affairs also shed light on the robust feedback mechanism established by him after taking oath for resolution of complaints and receiving suggestions. This has helped to resolve 90% of the issues faced by seafarers and helped bring shipping office in order by bringing administrative changes. Senator Shibli Faraz was also briefed about the E - Filing system and MOMA going paperless.
