Karachi: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has announced initiatives to enhance efficiency in sugar and cement handling operations at Port Qasim, following reports of significant congestion due to slow sugar consignment discharges.

At a meeting chaired by the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the current situation and its impact on export activities were thoroughly examined.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized the necessity for all ports to improve their operational efficiency. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the smooth and timely discharge of consignments to prevent bottlenecks.

The minister instructed the Port Qasim Authority to align its sugar off-loading operations with its discharge capacity, which stands at approximately 4,000 to 4,500 tons per day.

The meeting also considered directives from the Prime Minister’s Office. These directives include the strategic use of Gwadar Port for up to 60 percent of sugar imports to alleviate pressure on Karachi’s terminals.