Govt moves to boost port facilitation to attract transshipment cargo

March 25, 2026 (MLN): The government is taking steps to provide maximum facilitation at ports to attract foreign cargo transshipment in view of evolving regional dynamics.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan could capitalize on shifting trade patterns by ensuring a competitive and business-friendly environment at its maritime gateways, according to a press release issued.

Highlighting recent initiatives, the minister said fiscal incentives have been introduced for foreign-flagged transshipment vessels, including up to a 60% concession on port dues for ships carrying dry bulk export cargo to reduce the cost of doing business and increase port throughput.

He also stressed the need to rationalise charges, streamline procedures, and remove operational bottlenecks to position Pakistani ports as preferred regional transshipment hubs.

The remarks came during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister to review issues faced by importers and exporters.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, while Bilal Azhar Kayani, representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan Customs, National Logistics Corporation, terminal operators and the Pakistan Ships’ Agents Association joined via video link. Participants discussed regional competition in port dues, container scanning, customs clearance processes, and handling of auctionable containers.

The minister directed stakeholders to improve coordination and expedite decisions to resolve longstanding issues. He also lauded the performance of KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and his team for ensuring uninterrupted port operations during Eid holidays  a first in the port’s 138-year history  during which around 15,000 containers and 22 vessels were handled over three days.

Officials informed the meeting that about 1,000 containers had been auctioned, with another 200 under process, while nearly 3,700 containers still required urgent clearance. It was noted that 10 acres of land had been allocated for storing auctioned containers, while concerns were raised over long-pending containers, some held for up to 15 years, prompting suggestions to cap maximum storage periods.

The Pakistan Ships’ Agents Association also called for greater clarity in transshipment policy provisions, particularly regarding liabilities for duties and taxes, as the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving stakeholders’ concerns and improving port efficiency.

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