TO increase port activity, it is essential to augment feeder vessel services, facilitating cargo movement across Karachi Port, Port Bin Qasim and Gwadar. A ferry service can significantly enhance our commercial efficiency, which will have a positive impact on trade operations.

Besides, it is absolutely essential to establish alternative routes for ship to access ports in the country in the event of the closure of the Jinnah Bridge due to repair or any other reason.

Also needed is the conversion of the Northern Bypass to a dual carriageway, and setting in motion the plan to have the Southern Bypass on the ground that has so far remained confined to files.

The absence of adequate legislation has given shipping companies and terminal operators undue liberties. Shipping companies impose detention and other charges that they remit to their global principals abroad, resulting in the loss of valuable foreign exchange.

A joint effort between the government and the community of customs agents in Karachi will lead to effective solutions.

Mehmood ul Hasan Awan
General Secretary
Karachi Customs Agents Association
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2024