ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has announced a significant 50 percent reduction in port charges at Karachi Port, aimed at lowering the carbon footprint of trade logistics while fostering sustainable economic growth.
In his statement on Monday, the minister said this decision is part of a comprehensive national strategy to decarbonize Pakistan’s maritime sector and improve energy efficiency within port operations. He added that the government is committed to modernizing port infrastructure to meet international standards, enhance environmental sustainability, and shift towards smart maritime practices.
“This reduction in charges will not only benefit traders by lowering operational costs but will also encourage environmentally friendly practices in shipping and logistics,” he noted. The minister further reaffirmed his resolve to align Pakistan’s maritime industry with global environmental and efficiency benchmarks.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Sindh government has decided to construct an expressway linking Karachi Port Terminal to Jam Sadiq Bridge. The decision was made during a meeting of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Board chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
According to the chief minister, a 12.5-kilometre section of the expressway will be elevated, while the remaining part will run below ground level. “This new route from KPT Terminal will connect directly with the Malir Expressway at Jam Sadiq Bridge, easing traffic flow and improving freight mobility,” he said.
The chief minister instructed the Sindh local government department to finalize plans for the project in coordination with the PPP unit. “We will develop this road through a public-private partnership model, using the government’s own resources to ensure timely execution,” he added.
