Pakistan Maritime Minister Calls on AD Ports Group to Review Terminal Cargo Handling Charges at Karachi Port
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has called on AD Ports Group to rationalise terminal cargo handling charges in a move aimed at making port operations more business-friendly and globally competitive.
The minister shared these remarks during a meeting at his office with a delegation from AD Ports Group, where both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing projects at Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The discussion focused on improving operational efficiency and strengthening the commercial appeal of Pakistan’s port sector.
The AD Ports Group delegation was led by Regional CEO Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi. Other participants included Vice President Real Estate Abdulla Al Ansari, Board Member KGTL/KGTML Mustafa Ahmed, Country Head Pakistan AD Ports Adel Al Hosani, CEO KGTL/KGTML Khurram Aziz Khan, Project Manager Real Estate Adnan Ballaith, and Legal Advisor Saboor Karamat.
During the meeting, the federal minister stressed the urgent need to fast-track the procurement of mechanisation and digitalisation equipment, including cranes and loaders. He noted that modern equipment is essential to improve efficiency and cargo handling performance at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) and Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML) terminals.
In response, AD Ports Group agreed to review the existing cargo handling charges. To move the process forward, a negotiation committee has been formed.
The committee includes Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd), SI (M), S Bt, along with the country representative of AD Ports Group. The body has been tasked with submitting its recommendations within seven days, marking a key step toward potential adjustments in terminal charges and operational improvements at Karachi Port.
