PM Shehbaz Sharif Pushes for Seaport Development to Boost Regional Trade

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday that the government is taking steps to develop Pakistan’s seaports, aiming to provide the shortest trade corridor to regional countries, particularly the Central Asian States.

During a visit to Hutchison Port, South Asian Pakistan Terminal, where he received a briefing, PM Shehbaz highlighted that increased sea trade by Central Asian States, China, and other regional countries via Pakistani ports could generate billions of dollars in foreign revenue annually.

In a press release from the PM Office Media Wing, the prime minister emphasized the importance of installing the latest scanning technology at Pakistani ports. He directed the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to prioritize this installation.

He stressed that customs and port authorities must collaborate to fully utilize Pakistan’s seaports. The prime minister was informed that the FBR’s process for installing state-of-the-art scanners was nearing completion. These scanners, equipped with advanced technology and artificial intelligence, will enable rapid container scanning.

“For the progress of the country, it is imperative that its ports are also developed,” said PM Shehbaz, adding that the government is prioritizing measures to increase exports.

Accompanying the prime minister were federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Jam Kamal Khan, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Ahad Khan Cheema, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the chairman of FBR, and other relevant officials.