Islamabad: Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh has announced that the government is dedicated to enhancing port efficiency and improving container management to ensure shipments are processed both promptly and economically. He made these remarks while addressing a conference titled ‘National Policy Dialogue on Circularity and Used Textile Trade in Pakistan.’

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Minister underscored the crucial importance of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure in supporting the import of second-hand textiles, highlighting that over 430,000 metric tons of used clothing were brought into the country in the last fiscal year. He stressed that efficient handling of these imports is vital for bolstering local economies, generating jobs, and furthering textile recycling initiatives.

Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh also detailed ongoing initiatives to establish waste sorting hubs aimed at facilitating textile reuse and recycling. This development is a significant step toward managing textile waste and mitigating the environmental impact of the global textile trade. Furthermore, he stated that the government is committed to enforcing regulations designed to limit pollutants from textile shipments, with a focus on reducing harmful chemical exposure to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable shipping practices.

In addition, the Minister revealed that the government is investigating green shipping alternatives. This includes the potential adoption of cleaner fuels and energy-efficient technologies to curtail carbon emissions associated with shipping operations, thereby contributing to a more environmentally friendly maritime industry.