Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a significant relief package for the trade community, offering storage charge waivers of up to 50 percent at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) terminals. The decision comes as a direct response to recent logistical disruptions that have left many Gulf-bound shipments stranded.
Following the Minister’s directives, KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed negotiated with terminal operators to secure these concessions. Under the new arrangement, the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) will provide a 50 percent waiver for the period of March 1 to 20, 2026. Similarly, the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) has committed to a 50 percent reduction from March 1 to 10, while the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT) will offer a 25 percent waiver from March 11 to 31.
Minister Chaudhry explained that the primary goal is to alleviate the financial burden on exporters whose containers were stuck in terminal yards due to operational challenges beyond their control. He noted that the move is essential for clearing the current backlog and improving the overall flow of cargo through the country's primary maritime gateway.
In a formal statement, the Minister highlighted that this initiative is a vital step toward ensuring trade continuity and supporting the export sector during a difficult period. He urged maritime institutions to move toward a more facilitative, trade-friendly approach, ensuring that administrative or operational delays do not result in avoidable costs for businesses.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that efficient port management is a cornerstone of national economic stability. He framed the relief measures as part of a long-term strategy to make Pakistan’s maritime operations more competitive, better coordinated, and more responsive to the needs of global trade partners.
