Islamabad – July 8, 2025 – In a decisive move to boost port efficiency and reduce trade bottlenecks, the Government of Pakistan has launched a comprehensive initiative to cut container dwell time at seaports by a staggering 70%.
The plan aims to slash the average dwell time from one week to just two days, transforming the logistics landscape of the country.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced the formation of a high-powered committee entrusted with developing concrete strategies to reduce dwell time and enhance cargo movement at ports. The announcement came during a key meeting held at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters, attended by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, senior Customs officials, and representatives from Karachi Port Trust (KPT), terminal operators, and other maritime stakeholders.
The newly formed committee, led by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Umer Zafar Sheikh, includes representatives from all relevant agencies including FBR, Pakistan Customs, KPT, and private terminal operators. Its primary mandate is to eliminate procedural delays, modernize port operations, and implement a fast-track cargo clearance mechanism.
“The reduction in dwell time is not just a logistics reform, but a vital economic strategy,” said Minister Chaudhry. “Following the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we are committed to easing congestion, cutting logistics costs, and raising Pakistan’s trade competitiveness.”
To ensure transparency and real-time oversight, a central monitoring room is being set up at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The room will track container movement using cutting-edge AI and drone technologies—from vessel arrival to container exit—ensuring that dwell time targets are met.
Minister Chaudhry emphasized that prolonged dwell time has placed an enormous financial burden on importers and exporters, weakening Pakistan’s position in regional trade. Reducing this time is expected to significantly improve port turnaround, reduce demurrage charges, and enhance overall trade facilitation.
The committee will submit a full action plan within ten days, paving the way for a modernized, efficient, and globally competitive maritime logistics sector that supports Pakistan’s long-term economic vision.