Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has hailed the World Bank\u2019s recognition of Port Qasim as the ninth most improved port worldwide, calling the achievement a testament to government\u2019s sustained reforms and modernization efforts.
\nIn its latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2024, prepared in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, the World Bank listed Port Qasim among the Top 20 improving ports globally, with a 35.2-point leap in performance between 2020 and 2024, said a press release here on Saturday.
\nIn a statement on Saturday, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the achievement as a \u201cmatter of national pride,\u201d crediting reforms and modernization efforts at the port for earning Pakistan this global recognition.
\n\u201cThe inclusion of Muhammad Bin Qasim Port among the world\u2019s top 20 improving ports is a reflection of our continuous efforts to modernize port operations, adopt global best practices, and enhance efficiency,\u201d Junaid Chaudhry said. \u201cWe remain committed to strengthening maritime sector and making it a vital contributor to national and regional trade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Junaid Chaudhry emphasized that the recognition underscored government\u2019s determination to transform its maritime facilities into competitive regional hubs. He pointed to ongoing policy measures, regulatory reforms, and investment in modern technology as key enablers of the port\u2019s progress.
\nThe minister also lauded the contribution of private operators, particularly DP World\u2019s Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), whose management, he said, had ensured that operations at Port Qasim were maintained at international standards. He further announced that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs had cleared a long-awaited dredging project for the port channel to accommodate larger vessels, enhancing trade handling capacity.
\nChairman PQA, Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas (Retd), echoed the minister\u2019s views, attributing the success to the dedication and teamwork of the port\u2019s workforce.
\n\u201cThis acknowledgment by the World Bank is a testament to the commitment of the entire PQA team,\u201d Ilyas said. \u201cWe will continue to invest in innovation, digitalization, and infrastructure to further elevate our global standing.\u201d
\nJunaid Chaudhry said this recognition comes at a time when we are seeking to position Pakistan as a strategic logistics corridor linking the Middle East, Central Asia, China, and beyond\u201d, the minister said adding, with both Karachi Port and Gwadar Port also undergoing modernization, the rise of Port Qasim on the global index strengthens the country\u2019s credentials as a regional shipping hub.
\nThe minister noted that improved port performance is likely to attract foreign investment in maritime and logistics industries, while providing exporters and importers with more reliable and cost-efficient shipping options.
\nJunaid Anwar Chaudhry said the government\u2019s next focus would be on integrating ports with inland transport networks, expanding digital systems, and ensuring environmental sustainability in maritime operations.
\n\u201cThis achievement is only a beginning,\u201d the minister added. \u201cOur aim is to transform Pakistan\u2019s maritime gateways into drivers of economic growth, regional integration, and prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has hailed the World Bank\u2019s recognition of Port Qasim as the ninth most improved port worldwide, calling the achievement a testament to government\u2019s sustained reforms and modernization efforts. In its latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2024, prepared in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":505320,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-505310","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n