Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday said the government was taking steps to provide maximum facilitation at ports to attract foreign cargo transshipment in view of the evolving regional situation.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review issues faced by importers and exporters at ports, Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan was well-positioned to capitalise on shifting trade dynamics, provided it ensured a competitive and business-friendly environment at its maritime gateways.
He highlighted that fiscal incentives had already been introduced to attract foreign-flagged transshipment vessels. Under the new measures, vessels carrying dry bulk export cargo would receive up to a 60 per cent concession on port dues, aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and increasing port throughput.
Junaid Chaudhry urged customs authorities and terminal operators to rationalise their charges and streamline procedures to further facilitate trade. He emphasised that reducing operational bottlenecks and costs was essential to positioning Pakistani ports as a preferred destination for regional transshipment.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, while Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Customs, National Logistics Corporation (NLC), terminal operators and the Pakistan Ships’ Agents Association joined via video link.
Participants discussed a range of issues, including regional competition in port dues, container scanning, customs clearance processes and the handling of auctionable containers. The minister directed all stakeholders to improve coordination and expedite decision-making to address longstanding challenges.
Junaid Chaudhry also lauded the performance of KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and his team for ensuring uninterrupted port operations during the Eid holidays, a first in the port’s 138-year history. He noted that approximately 15,000 containers and 22 vessels were handled over three days, facilitating timely clearance for exporters and importers.
During the meeting, Chief Collector Appraisement (South) Wajid Ali informed participants that around 1,000 containers had already been auctioned, while the auction process for an additional 200 containers was underway and expected to conclude shortly.
However, KPT chairman pointed out that nearly 3,700 containers still needed to be auctioned and cleared on a priority basis to create space for incoming cargo. The port authority has already allocated 10 acres of land to customs authorities for the storage of auctioned containers.
A representative of the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) highlighted the issue of long-pending containers, noting that some units had remained at terminals for as long as 15 years due to legal and procedural complications. He suggested introducing a cap on the maximum allowable storage period at terminals to prevent congestion and inefficiencies.
Chairman of the Pakistan Ships’ Agents Association, Muhammad A. Rajper appreciated the maritime minister’s efforts, particularly his role in pursuing amendments to the Federal Board of Revenue’s transshipment policy. He, however, called for more clarity in certain provisions, especially regarding the assignment of responsibility for duties, taxes and other liabilities.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving stakeholders’ concerns and ensuring that Pakistan’s ports operate efficiently to support trade growth and regional connectivity.
