Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a high-level meeting to assess the readiness of Pakistani ports amid evolving regional circumstances and to strategize their development into a premier regional transit and transshipment hub.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting convened major stakeholders, including shipping lines and terminal operators, to ensure seamless maritime trade, improve operational efficiency, enhance feeder connectivity, and streamline business procedures. Discussions focused on regulatory challenges, digitization, stakeholder coordination, and opportunities to attract regional cargo, with a particular emphasis on promoting Karachi as a reliable maritime gateway.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry stated that the government is implementing practical measures to transform Pakistani ports into a key regional transshipment center, adopting a coordinated stakeholder approach. He emphasized the need to expand port capacity, strengthen logistics networks, and promote feeder services to meet the growing demands of trade.

He further noted that ongoing efforts are directed at refining the regulatory framework, addressing issues such as detention charges, and increasing terminal handling capacity in line with modern operational needs.

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (retd) highlighted that additional space has been allocated at Karachi Port for handling vehicles and SUVs, which will facilitate operations for shipping lines and the business community.

The minister also instructed authorities to launch a regular newsletter to showcase the performance and facilities of Pakistan’s three major ports, with a focus on effective international marketing.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Maritime Affairs Umer Zafar Sheikh, KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (retd), Chairman of the Pakistan Ship Agents Association Muhammad Rajpar, President of the All Pakistan Shipping Association Abdullah Furrukh, and representatives from shipping lines and terminal operators. Participants expressed confidence in the minister’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative sector development.