Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the acceleration of dredging and expansion efforts at all ports to accommodate larger vessels. Chairing a meeting on Wednesday regarding reforms at Pakistani ports, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of these developments in facilitating economic growth and enhancing business activities.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for improved rail connectivity to assist in the inland transportation of cargo. He highlighted the significance of ports in driving economic progress and instructed relevant institutions to enhance coordination to reduce cargo dwell time. Additionally, he urged for the reduction of various port charges and the introduction of a transparent process for auctioning abandoned cargo. The establishment of separate yards for such cargo, in collaboration with international companies, was also recommended. Initial cargo testing laboratories at ports and the elimination of unnecessary tests were part of the directives.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on proposals for improving facilities and implementing reforms to better serve the business community. He praised the efforts of the working group led by Ziad Bashir for their practical recommendations. Ziad Bashir noted that the transparent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has bolstered business confidence.

The briefing also revealed that the National Ports Master Plan is progressing rapidly, and a Port Community System has been activated. Various port fees are being reduced, with bulk cargo fees at Port Qasim slashed by over fifty percent. The meeting also highlighted that new investments are enhancing port performance, and an e-bidding system for abandoned cargo auctions will be launched soon. Additionally, tenders for the expansion and dredging of Karachi ports have been issued, with work slated to begin imminently.