85 Key Reforms Implemented to Improve Pakistani Ports, Customs System Digitized

Islamabad: Under a comprehensive roadmap aimed at increasing trade volumes, reducing transportation costs and accelerating the movement of goods through maritime routes, 85 out of 99 proposed reforms have been fully implemented. The reforms are primarily aimed at bringing cargo handling, port operations and customs clearance in line with international standards.

Faceless Customs and Automated Duty Drawback Introduced

A digital mechanism has been activated to improve transparency across the port system and eliminate conventional paperwork.

Faceless Customs System: Human intervention in the clearance process has been minimized, making port clearance faster and more transparent.

Automated Duty Drawback: The introduction of Automated Duty Drawback Processing has helped ensure timely refunds for exporters.

Operational Transparency: Digital scanning and online tracking systems have reduced opportunities for corruption and improved monitoring of port operations.

Container Traffic Management and Dredging Operations

Immediate infrastructure-level measures have also been taken to address congestion at ports and reduce delays in vessel and cargo handling.

Significant Reduction in Congestion: More than 2,000 containers were promptly shifted from terminals to off-dock terminals to free up operational space.

Resumption of Dredging: Regular dredging of navigation channels has been completed to facilitate the safe and smooth berthing of large vessels.

According to officials, work on the remaining 14 proposed reforms is progressing rapidly. The measures are expected to further enhance the efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness of Pakistan’s port sector.