'No war surcharges on shipments'

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said shipping agents assured that no war-related surcharges are being imposed on in-transit shipments or shipments on other routes. Speaking at a high-level meeting addressing challenges faced by Pakistan's importers and exporters, the minister highlighted proactive measures already in place, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. Customs authorities have issued circulars urging traders to report any unjustified surcharges, with about 10 complaints processed to date. "This ensures accountability and protects our trading community," Chaudhry said. Key industry bodies, including the Pakistan Ship's Agents Association and the All Pakistan Shipping Association, will release advisories directing members to refrain from charging retention fees on export containers stranded at ports. Additionally, terminal operators have agreed to offer relief on demurrage charges for export containers that arrived before March 3, 2026. These steps form part of a broader government strategy to alleviate pressure on Pakistan's ports amid persistent logistical hurdles. "We are coordinating closely with port authorities, customs officials and shipping stakeholders to streamline cargo movement and cut financial burdens on exporters," Chaudhry stated. Earlier this week, the minister directed port authorities to finalise and implement a comprehensive 30-day plan for shifting, auctioning and disposing of stuck-up containers and surplus materials to ease congestion at port terminals. Chairing a sub-committee review meeting, the minister instructed authorities to transfer these items from on-dock areas to designated off-dock facilities within the timeframe. He stressed that port operations must remain seamless, ensuring domestic trade faces no disruption from transshipment cargo or stuck-up containers. Noting the rising volume of transshipment cargo due to improved port performance and regional dynamics, Chaudhry called for a clear mechanism to shift it to off-dock terminals on defined commercial terms. "Pakistan must seize emerging regional opportunities by adopting a forward-looking framework to sustain and expand our ports' potential," he said. Officials reported that stuck-up containers and surplus materials can be relocated to sites such as Sky Media Terminal, Al-Hamd Terminal, Northern Bypass and other off-dock facilities. The Federal Board of Revenue will permit shipping companies to remove and destroy abandoned containers per regulations. Chaudhry asked the Karachi Port Trust to obtain detailed shifting plans from terminal operators and share them with the sub-committee and customs by the week's end. The meeting also discussed that customs will facilitate the auction of stuck-up containers within one month, while terminal operators dispose of surplus items such as wooden pallets and unused equipment in the same period. Rationalised reserve prices for mixed lots will speed up auctions. The minister expressed confidence that these coordinated steps will sharply reduce congestion, support trade and boost maritime logistics efficiency.