Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed the authorities to keep the Lyari Expressway open for cargo traffic around the clock to ensure uninterrupted delivery of goods to and from Karachi Port Trust.
“The Malir Expressway should be connected to the port to further improve the delivery of goods,” the prime minister stated while chairing a meeting regarding Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
PM Shehbaz instructed the authorities to take special initiatives to tap the full potential of maritime trade and spur economic growth. He emphasized the need to minimize customs clearance time by installing modern equipment and machinery at Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Karachi to Review Port Operations and Meet Business Leaders
Additionally, he directed the installation of state-of-the-art scanning machinery at the ports and urged steps to fully benefit from the ports’ potential. To further enhance the efficiency of goods delivery, he instructed the relevant authorities to increase the capacity of railway transport for goods to and from Karachi Port.
“Fees for LNG ships at Port Qasim should be reduced and fixed according to prevailing international rates,” the prime minister added, calling for a comprehensive action plan for the regulation of shipping lines to be prepared and presented promptly.
He also directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to formulate and present a comprehensive plan to reduce costs and enhance operational effectiveness.