Islamabad, April 2, 2026 – Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has directed port authorities to implement a comprehensive 30-day plan to clear stuck-up containers and surplus cargo from major ports, aiming to reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency.
Chairing a high-level sub-committee meeting, the minister instructed officials to ensure the immediate shifting, auctioning, and disposal of abandoned containers and materials. He emphasized that all such cargo must be relocated from on-dock areas to designated off-dock facilities within the set deadline.
The minister highlighted that smooth port operations are essential for maintaining uninterrupted domestic trade. He warned that delays caused by stuck containers and transshipment cargo could hinder supply chains and increase logistics costs.
With an increase in transshipment cargo driven by improved port performance and evolving regional trade dynamics, Chaudhry called for a well-defined mechanism to move such cargo to off-dock terminals on clear commercial terms. Authorities were also directed to maintain updated inventories of off-dock facilities and cargo records.
Officials informed the meeting that surplus containers can be shifted to multiple off-dock locations, including Sky Media Terminal, Al-Hamd Terminal, and Northern Bypass. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will facilitate the removal and destruction of abandoned containers in line with regulatory frameworks.
Additionally, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has been tasked with submitting detailed cargo shifting plans from terminal operators within the week. Customs authorities will oversee the auction of stuck containers within one month, while operators will dispose of surplus materials such as wooden pallets and unused equipment.
The minister expressed confidence that these coordinated measures will significantly ease port congestion, strengthen trade flows, and enhance Pakistan’s maritime logistics performance in the coming weeks.