In a move to resolve severe congestion that has been hampering Pakistan’s international trade, the federal government has approved plans for dedicated road and railway access to Karachi Port.
The decision came during an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, with key officials from maritime, railways, commerce, and other departments in attendance.
Member of the Planning Commission (Infrastructure) Waqas Anwar briefed the meeting, noting that almost all cargo currently moves by road, leading to significant traffic and environmental issues, adding that the limited rail facilities and truck curfews have exacerbated the problem, with truck movements restricted from 6 am to 11 pm, creating bottlenecks at port gates.
However, he warned that Port Qasim, which benefits from better road links via the N-5 and M-9 routes could face similar congestion issues by 2030 if rail connectivity was not improved.
Anwar pointed out that Pakistan’s merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP is 26 percent, far below the global average of 44 percent, emphasizing the urgency of addressing logistical inefficiencies.
Proposed solutions include immediate measures such as implementing 24/7 port operations and scheduled truck movements to ease congestion.
For long-term improvements, the development of an elevated expressway and investments in rail infrastructure were recommended to facilitate freight transport and reduce costs.
After detailed discussions, the meeting underscored the importance of resolving these issues for Pakistan’s economic growth.
A new committee with representatives from the Planning Ministry, Port Qasim Authority, National Highway Authority, and other stakeholders has been tasked with delivering a consensus-based solution within two weeks.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening port infrastructure, boosting trade, and driving sustainable development.
News Source: Dawn News
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