By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and gave a detailed presentation to the business community on the modernization of Karachi Port, operational improvements, and future development projects.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh welcomed him on arrival, while Vice President Khurram Lodhi, former Presidents Mian Anjum Nisar and Tahir Javaid Malik, former Senior Vice President Ali Hassam Asghar, and Executive Committee members were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the Chairman KPT stated that comprehensive reforms are underway to transform Karachi Port into a modern transshipment hub, under which port operations are being digitized and business facilitation has been given top priority. He informed that container handling capacity has significantly increased and a target of approximately 2.7 million containers has been set for the current year.
He said that notable progress has been made in land recovery over the past few months, with around 230 acres of land being retrieved and allocated through transparent open tendering for business ventures. He added that the land policy and pricing structure have also been made more business-friendly to promote investment.
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The Chairman KPT described the integration of the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), ERP system, and Pakistan Single Window as a revolutionary step in port facilitation, stating that in the coming years the clearance and approval process at the port will be fully digital and fast-tracked, significantly reducing business cost and time.
He further informed that 70 percent of the long-delayed capital dredging work has been completed, which will increase channel depth and enable larger vessels to dock, thereby significantly reducing logistics costs.
He said that efforts are underway to reduce dwell time in line with global benchmarks. The target is to bring it down from the current 7–8 days to 5 days within the next two years.
The Chairman KPT also highlighted major initiatives including bunkering business, free terminal operations, ferry services, and the establishment of a Maritime Business District. He said that the 140-acre Maritime Business District will bring banks, shipping lines, insurance companies, and maritime institutions under one roof, making it a landmark project for Pakistan’s logistics sector.
Senior Vice President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, appreciated the performance of Karachi Port and said that despite challenging conditions, the port has ensured continuity of operations, supporting national trade. He praised the reduction in transshipment charges, provision of additional storage space, and terminal facilitation measures.
He highlighted issues faced by the business community, particularly demurrage charges, delays in bank document clearance, and customs processing issues, and stressed the need for their immediate resolution. He said that practical steps to improve ease of doing business are essential to boost investment and exports.
In conclusion, participants expressed the resolve that port reforms and infrastructure development will play a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and enhancing its logistics position in the region.
