Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed port authorities to sharply reduce cargo dwell time and eliminate unnecessary laboratory testing, saying delays at ports are hurting businesses and slowing economic growth.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the private sector working group on port development, the prime minister said Pakistan’s ports are the backbone of the economy and must operate efficiently to support trade. He ordered further reductions in port charges to improve the global competitiveness of Pakistani exports.
The prime minister also directed that rail connectivity from ports be upgraded to ensure faster inland movement of goods. He said dredging and expansion work at all ports, especially in Karachi, should be accelerated to allow larger vessels, adding that tenders for these projects have already been issued.
To avoid delays in cargo clearance, PM Shehbaz ordered that initial testing laboratories be set up within port premises. He also directed authorities to abolish redundant laboratory tests that cause unnecessary hold-ups for importers and exporters.
Addressing the issue of long-staying abandoned cargo, the prime minister ordered the introduction of a transparent auction system. He directed the creation of dedicated yards for abandoned cargo and suggested engaging internationally reputed firms to manage the process.
He further announced that a new e-bidding system will be launched soon, allowing bidders from across the country to participate remotely in auctions of abandoned cargo.
During the meeting, working group chairman Ziad Bashir presented recommendations for port reforms and welcomed recent government steps. He said the transparent privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines has helped restore business confidence.
Officials briefed the meeting that work on the national ports master plan is progressing quickly and that the port community system is now operational. As a relief measure for traders, bulk cargo handling charges at Port Qasim have recently been reduced by more than 50 percent.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Musadik Malik and other senior government officials.
