The National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs has approved Rs3.046 billion for development projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2025-26. The decision was made during a committee meeting chaired by MNA Abdul Qadir Patel, where members unanimously backed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ budgetary proposals.
Addressing key concerns in the maritime sector, the committee formed a sub-committee to tackle severe traffic congestion around Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and address poor road conditions affecting commuters. The sub-committee, led by Sardar Nabil Ahmed Gabol with members Kesoo Mal Kheal Das and Hassaan Sabir, has been tasked with resolving these issues within a month.
Discussions also covered ongoing PSDP projects for 2024-25 and future development plans for Gwadar Port Authority. The committee expressed strong support for the Gwadar Blue Economy Centre, a project aimed at transforming Gwadar into a key maritime hub and promoting sustainable economic growth. Chairman Patel emphasized that Sindh must play a role in the blue economy to ensure comprehensive development.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the need for reforms in public sector institutions to enhance efficiency and revenue generation. He noted that while the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) is a profitable entity, further improvements are necessary to optimize performance and increase contributions to the maritime sector.
Sheikh also stressed the importance of expediting container clearance at ports to facilitate trade and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
