Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of the task force aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement and clinker exports, stressing on the need to resolve logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Among the issues highlighted by the participants was the movement of cargo on Lyari Expressway, challenges faced by DHA and Cantonment authorities on Malir Expressway, and the need for increased storage capacity at Port Qasim.
The Ministry of Communications informed the forum that allowing cargo traffic on Lyari Expressway would incur a cost of Rs. 4-5 billion. It said the National Highway Authority (NHA) is working on two major motorway projects: Sukkur–Hyderabad at a cost of Rs. 600 billion, and Hyderabad–Karachi at a cost of Rs. 400 billion to facilitate movement.
Khan emphasized that issues faced by DHA and Cantonment authorities on Malir Expressway are still unresolved and need urgent attention.
The task force was further informed that truck marshalling yards are being connected to railway tracks to improve cargo handling. The Port Qasim Authority chairman noted that port charges had been reduced by 50 percent to support exporters. He also highlighted that Karachi Port Trust charges have remained lower than other ports since 1994.
To facilitate cement exports, the SAPM said discussions would be held with the Sindh government to acquire land for extending the railway track. A sub-committee has been constituted to meet with the Sindh chief minister in this regard.
The forum was informed 40,000 tons of cement are currently being exported to the United States from Berth No. 2 at Port Qasim. Khan noted this demonstrates the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement sector. He stressed on the need to enhance the storage capacity at Port Qasim to meet the export target of 1.5 million tons next year.