The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched a major reform to reduce container clearance delays at Pakistan’s ports by 70%. This move aims to improve trade efficiency and cut costs for importers and exporters. A high-level committee, led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh, has been formed with members from the Federal Board of Revenue, Pakistan Customs, Karachi Port Trust, and other key agencies. The committee must submit its recommendations within 10 days.
Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized that tracking every stage—from ship docking to customs clearance—is essential. He announced plans to digitally monitor container movements to eliminate delays and inefficiencies harming Pakistan’s trade competitiveness. This digital monitoring will increase transparency and speed up port operations.
Additionally, the ministry plans to set up a modern control room using drones and artificial intelligence. This facility will provide real-time oversight of container movements to improve security and transparency at the ports. The new technology aims to help reduce congestion and streamline port activities.
This initiative complements other maritime sector developments. Recently, a feeder shipping service between Dubai and Karachi started, thanks to a partnership between DP World and the National Logistics Corporation (NLC). This service uses smaller ships to reduce shipping costs and shorten transit times on regional routes.
Earlier this year, NLC also launched Pakistan’s first flagged containerized shipping service connecting Karachi, Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. The 10-day round-trip service is expected to boost trade and support Pakistan’s growing maritime economy.