PM orders Karachi port modernization, seeks shipping line regulation plan

• Port Qasim to reduce charges for ships carrying LNG: PM Shehbaz
• The priorities include developing the private sector and facilitating access for investors.
• “Installation of modern machines to shorten customs clearance times.”

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KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered comprehensive measures to modernise the Karachi Port and facilitate access to the port through rail and road links.

During his one-day visit to Karachi on Sunday, the prime minister issued directives while chairing a session where he reviewed the functioning of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).

The high-level session was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Governor Sindhu Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindhu Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and others.

PM Shehbaz said steps should be taken to reduce the customs clearance time by installing modern machines. He also stressed on the connectivity of KPT through road and rail network for easy access to goods.

He also directed that the Lyari Expressway should be kept open 24×7 to ensure uninterrupted supply of goods to the KPT and also that the port should be connected with the Malir Expressway to streamline delivery of goods.

He issued an order to increase the supply of goods by connecting the port to the railway network.

Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered the Qasim Port Authority to reduce the charges for ships carrying LNG and bring them in line with international rates.

He called for a comprehensive strategy to regulate the activities of shipping lines, as well as ordering the PNSC to cut spending.

“The development of the private sector, ease of doing business and facilitation for investors are our top priorities,” the prime minister said, adding that the country’s economy is stable and on the path of growth and development.

He added that the “federal government is providing maximum facilities to exporters” to develop the country’s export sector.

At the same time, the Prime Minister asked the authorities to prepare a report comparing the KPT results with those of other ports.

During the briefing session, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “Pakistan has a key geographical importance in the region.” He detailed his meetings with leaders of Central Asian countries and the Russian President during his visit to Kazakhstan.

He said Pakistan offers Central Asian countries a convenient route for accessing maritime trade and these countries have also expressed interest in using Pakistani ports for trade purposes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Pakistan can earn billions of dollars by modernizing ports. He vowed that Islamabad will look at increasing exports through its value-added industry after modernizing its ports.

He ordered the port authorities to install modern equipment as soon as possible and take effective steps to fully utilize the potential of the country’s ports.