Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed has urged importers and clearing agents to adopt pre‑arrival Goods Declaration (GD) filing, noting that cargo with advance GDs clears in about 90 hours compared with 296 hours otherwise. Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said the practice would ease congestion and lower costs.

He highlighted progress in dredging, infrastructure, digitalisation and shipping connectivity. Dredging is around 90% complete, deepening the main channel to 14.5 metres, with the approach channel expected to reach 16 metres within weeks. KPT has cut transshipment charges by 80%, while terminals offer discounts and extended free periods. Off‑dock facilities with 150,000‑TEU capacity have also been developed.

Karachi Port now ranks 34th globally in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index. A new MSC Europe service begins Oct 26, with plans to double direct shipping services by December. Improved operations could save businesses Rs30–40bn annually, while larger vessels will cut unloading time to about one day.

Ahmed also pointed to opportunities in bunkering, estimating potential annual revenues of Rs300bn within three years. KPT is investing Rs2–2.5bn in AI‑based cargo operations, vessel traffic systems, and ERP solutions, along with online services to improve transparency.

He stressed the importance of connectivity projects including the KPT–Pipri Freight Corridor, Shahrah‑e‑Bhutto link and M‑10 connection, while noting recovery of 250 acres of encroached land and mangrove rehabilitation. The KCCI has ordered a trash-skimming vessel to tackle marine waste.

Businessmen Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala welcomed progress but urged accountability, enforceable clearance timelines and risk‑based profiling to benefit compliant businesses. KCCI President Talat Mahmood called for joint efforts by KPT, Customs and terminal operators to resolve congestion and proposed a permanent coordination committee to address complaints promptly.