The re-designed shipping policy is likely to be announced next month by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri told this to Business Recorder, after the ground-breaking ceremony of Port Qasim Authority's (PQA) Gulshan-e-Qasim housing scheme on Monday. He said, "The committee set up for the purpose had prepared the policy and tabled it to the Prime Minister for final approval. The committee comprised the ship owners, agents, senior officers of ministry of port and shipping and the ports."
The long-awaited shipping policy would bring many facilities and incentives for shippers and other port users. It would also encourage local and foreign shipping lines to benefit from huge business available in the region.
To another query, Babar Ghauri said the shipping protocol between Pakistan and India would be signed next month. This would allow the shipping lines of both the countries to lift cargo to any third country, he said, adding the embargo had proved a great setback to growth of our shipping sector.
Babar Ghauri said the infrastructure and operational system at Port Qasim were being upgraded and expanded to make the port further efficient and cost-competitive in the region.
The minister said two more tugs would be purchased and the night navigation facility was being enhanced soon and added that the navigation channel was being widened and the draft further deepened. He said the draft under phases would be increased to 14.5 metres that would attract larger ships to the port.