Maritime Ministry moves to end congestion at Port Qasim

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched measures to streamline operations at Port Qasim following reports of severe congestion caused by slow discharge of sugar consignments.

A high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reviewed the situation, including its impact on export activities such as cement and clinker shipments. Senior officials attending included Secretary Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, Chairman Port Qasim Authority Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Moazzam Ilyas, Acting Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Atiq-ur-Rehman, CEO of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, Technical Advisor Commodore (Retd.) Muhammad Jawad Akhtar, and representatives of the Cement Exporters Association led by Arif Habib.

The meeting found that sugar was being unloaded at a rate below the port’s capacity of 4,000–4,500 tons per day. The minister directed the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) to optimize unloading operations and emphasized the importance of smooth coordination among all stakeholders.

To alleviate congestion, the meeting reviewed directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, including utilizing Gwadar Port for up to 60 percent of sugar imports and strict first-come, first-served berthing for all vessels at Port Qasim and Karachi Port. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) was instructed to improve operational planning, coordinate vessel arrivals, and maintain continuous communication with port authorities.

Both port authorities were tasked with enforcing the berthing policy, monitoring discharge performance, and applying penalties for unnecessary delays. The minister also called on all agencies, including state importers, to synchronize freight movement plans with the Ministry ahead of cargo arrivals.

Chaudhry praised participants for their constructive engagement and stressed that consistent adherence to performance standards is essential to maintain port efficiency and prevent future logistical disruptions.