Karachi, November 4, 2025 – The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has strongly criticized the shipping lines’ overcharging practices, accusing them of exploiting importers and traders by charging excessive dollar exchange rates — reportedly as high as Rs296.20 per US dollar, surpassing even hawala/hundi market rates.
During a meeting at the KCCI, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar was briefed by KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif, who highlighted severe port congestion and inefficiencies. He urged the government to enforce fair exchange rate practices and greater regulatory oversight of shipping agents.
The minister, acknowledging the chamber’s concerns, assured full government support and emphasized that the Maritime Affairs Ministry stands with the business community. He encouraged private investment in Pakistan’s growing maritime sector, announcing plans to expand the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) fleet by 50 percent, with five new vessels in the pipeline.
Junaid Anwar further proposed developing a 140-acre industrial park at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) under public-private partnership, offering land for industrial expansion while the private sector handles operations. He reiterated his stance against real estate dealings on port lands, ensuring they remain dedicated to trade and logistics.
Business leaders including Zubair Motiwala, Jawed Bilwani, and Anjum Nisar raised key issues such as Karachi’s lack of a bypass road, energy shortages, and the decline of PNSC due to bureaucratic inefficiency. KCCI also renewed its call for a regulatory authority to monitor shipping agents and ensure fair, transparent trade practices.
The minister concluded by assuring that complaints against terminal or port-related entities will receive immediate government attention and that the ministry remains committed to achieving 100% port capacity utilization by 2047.