Pakistan ports remain operational on Eid for uninterrupted trade
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Saturday said that the country’s ports remained fully operational on Eid day to facilitate exporters and importers, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.In a statement, Junaid Chaudhry said uninterrupted port operations during the festive occasion marked a significant step towards ensuring continuity in trade and supply chains.
He noted that this was the first time in the 138-year history of the Karachi Port Trust that cargo handling activities were carried out on the first day of Eid.Following the federal minister’s directives, Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M) S.Bt (Retd.), accompanied by Director General (Operations) Rear Admiral Ateeq ur Rehman Abid SI(M), visited various terminals and operational areas at the port to review ongoing activities.During the visit, the KPT team inspected live operations at Karachi International Container Terminal and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where cargo handling continued without interruption. Officials commended the commitment of terminal operators, staff, customs personnel and Karachi Dock Labour Board workers for maintaining smooth operations despite the holiday.Junaid Chaudhry said a substantial number of import and export containers were expected to be handled during Eid day and the subsequent holidays without delays, reflecting the port’s round-the-clock operational readiness.
The development, the minister added, underscored Karachi Port’s commitment to operational excellence and its role as a key hub for the country’s maritime trade.On the occasion, the KPT chairman conveyed Eid greetings on behalf of the maritime minister to security and customs officials on duty, acknowledging their dedication and vigilance.He reaffirmed that Karachi Port, as the country’s premier maritime gateway, would continue to provide the best possible services to the business community, particularly at a time when global supply chains have been disrupted due to ongoing tensions in the region.He also mentioned that options are being explored to start additional feeder services from Pakistan to Middle East.