Maritime minister highlights measures for enhancing port competitiveness

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, on Thursday, highlighted major reforms and efficient policies aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, on Thursday, highlighted major reforms and efficient policies aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector.

The minister, speaking during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that transhipment charges have been reduced by up to 60 percent to attract international shipping lines.

He, according to a statement issued here, underscored that the comprehensive reform measures for enhancing port competitiveness included new cargo facilitation rules, improved connectivity projects, investor-friendly policies, and capacity enhancement.

The minister also highlighted proactive handling of recent regional disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted trade through coordinated efforts and intensive engagement. Referring to the recent surge in transhipment activity, he added that Pakistan handled record container-ships within just 24 days.

He appreciated the performance of Karachi Port Trust and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation during the challenging times and their contribution in national economic growth.

Chairman, Karachi Port Trust, Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed stated that the sector’s strong operational performance, particularly during recent regional challenges, reflected resilience, adding that efforts were now focused on translating this momentum into sustainable economic gains.

He highlighted the key measures including feeder vessel support, demurrage relief, clearance of legacy cargo, and expansion of transit and bunkering operations at KPT.

He emphasized the strong potential of Pakistan’s growing bunkering industry, stating that Karachi Port has already serviced over 100 vessels and the sector was expected to generate business worth billions of rupees in coming years, alongside supporting growth in the refinery sector.

The minister received strong appreciation by business leaders who lauded swift reforms, effective crisis management, and a long-term vision driving Pakistan’s maritime sector.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala commended the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal for enhancing Pakistan’s global standing and restoring national confidence. He appreciated the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for introducing a range of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the maritime sector.

President KCCI Rehan Hanif appreciated the government’s reform agenda and operational efficiency across ports, urging further steps such as establishing a national shipping line, improving regulatory oversight, and resolving trade facilitation issues to sustain growth.

The meeting concluded with confidence that Pakistan’s maritime sector was on a strong trajectory toward becoming a leading regional trade and transhipment hub.