ISLAMABAD: Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Monday a waiver of demurrage charges on auctionable containers at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), in collaboration with the port’s private terminals.

The minister stated that, through this constructive engagement, KPT will not charge demurrage on auctionable and auctioned containers if they are cleared within seven days of the auction.

Terming the move a significant step towards easing port congestion, the minister said it will help Customs speed up the clearance process, benefit the trade sector by reducing delays caused by stuck containers, and create space for transhipment cargo arriving in Karachi.

He stated that the waiver demonstrates KPT’s proactive approach to resolving congestion and its dedication to Pakistan’s economic development through active terminal engagement.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2026