Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed to expedite dredging and expansion work at all ports to facilitate berthing of large vessels.
PM Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a meeting regarding the working group constituted for reforms in Pakistani ports in Islamabad on Wednesday. The Prime Minister also directed improvement of rail connectivity from ports to enhance inland transportation of cargo. He emphasized that ports play a crucial role in boosting business activity and accelerating economic growth in the country.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also directed all port-related institutions to further strengthen coordination among them to minimize cargo dwell time. He instructed to further reduce various port charges and to introduce a transparent mechanism for the auction of abandoned cargo. He directed the establishment of separate yards for abandoned cargo at ports across the country in collaboration with internationally renowned companies. He further advised setting up of initial cargo testing laboratories at ports and elimination of unnecessary laboratory tests.
The Prime Minister was briefed on recommendations aimed at improving facilities and introducing reforms at ports to facilitate the business community. He appreciated the efforts of the working group headed by Ziad Bashir for presenting practical and concrete proposals.
Speaking on the occasion, Ziad Bashir said transparent privatization of PIA has significantly boosted the confidence of Pakistan's business community.
During the briefing, it was informed that work on the National Ports Master Plan is progressing rapidly, while the Port Community System has recently been made operational. It was also told that various port fees are being reduced and bulk cargo fees at Port Qasim have recently been slashed by more than fifty percent.
The meeting was further apprised that new investments are improving port performance and an e-bidding system for auction of abandoned cargo will be launched soon. It was also informed that tenders for expansion and dredging of Karachi ports have been issued and work will begin at the earliest.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given in-principle approval for the formulation of a comprehensive National Energy Plan in consultation with relevant ministries and provincial governments.
Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy in Islamabad on Wednesday, he also approved the establishment of a dedicated secretariat for the National Energy Plan.
The meeting further granted in-principle approval to the framework guidelines for the auction of wheeling charges.
The Prime Minister directed all ministries and provincial governments to present a workable and coordinated strategy under the proposed plan. He emphasized that the government's top priorities include ensuring electricity supply to industries at the lowest possible cost and providing facilitation for domestic consumers.
He instructed that the recommendations of the Ministries of Climate Change, Finance, Industries and Production, and Petroleum be effectively incorporated into the plan.
The Prime Minister also issued special instructions to expedite the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs) in an efficient manner. He stressed the need to provide electricity to industries at competitive tariffs to boost the country's industrial production capacity.
Highlighting recent reforms, he noted improvements in the electricity transmission system. He added that enhanced coordination among ministries and relevant entities has resulted in better facilitation for both domestic and industrial energy consumers nationwide.
During the briefing, it was informed that initial consultations with all ministries are underway for the formulation of the National Energy Plan.