Premier reaffirms govt\u2019s commitment to private sector growth, ease of doing business during Karachi visit
\n Islamabad
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Karachi today for a day-long trip to review the city\u2019s port operations and to meet with key business leaders, the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
\nDuring the visit, PM Shehbaz visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to receive detailed briefings on the operations of Pakistan\u2019s ports and the national flag carrier, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). During his visit, he emphasised the critical strategic importance of Pakistan in the region.
\n\u201cPakistan offers the most suitable maritime trade route for Central Asian states,\u201d the premier stated, referencing his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of Central Asian countries during his visit to Kazakhstan.
\nHe noted the keen interest of Central Asian states in utilising Pakistani ports for their trade.
\nThe prime minister said, \u201cWith modern systems and improved access to our ports, Pakistan can earn billions in foreign exchange.\u201d
\nHe emphasised the development of value-added industries to boost exports, particularly through the advancement of Karachi\u2019s ports.
\nThe PM directed the installation of modern equipment and machinery at Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust to reduce customs clearance times.
\nHe also called for the immediate installation of advanced scanning machinery at the ports to enhance operational efficiency.
\nTo ensure uninterrupted cargo delivery, he instructed that the Lyari Expressway remain open 24\/7 for cargo traffic and proposed connecting the Malir Expressway to the port. He also emphasised increasing rail capacity for cargo transport to and from Karachi Port.
\nPM Shehbaz directed that LNG ship fees at Port Qasim be adjusted to international rates and urged for a comprehensive plan to regulate shipping lines.
\nHe also instructed PNSC to develop a plan to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.
\nHe reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to private sector growth, ease of doing business, and facilitating investors, highlighting that Pakistan\u2019s economy is stable and progressing.
\nThe meeting, held to review the operations of KPT, Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and PNSC, was attended by federal ministers, provincial officials, and top authorities, including Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahsan Iqbal, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, and chairpersons of KPT, PQA, and PNSC. Prime Minister Sharif also directed KPT to present a comparative report on the performance of regional ports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Premier reaffirms govt\u2019s commitment to private sector growth, ease of doing business during Karachi visit Islamabad Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Karachi today for a day-long trip to review the city\u2019s port operations and to meet with key business leaders, the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) said in a statement. During the visit, PM Shehbaz […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":416980,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-416964","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n