LAHORE: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi has said that 90 per cent collection of the Federal Board of Revenue is from ports.
He was speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah, Senior Vice President Nasir Hameed Khan, Vice President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, former LCCI President Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Secretary Ministry of Maritime Affairs Rizwan Ahmed, Chairman Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Shakil Ahmed Mangnejo, Member Customs (Policy) Syed Hamid Ali, Chairman Karachi Port Trust Nadir Mumtaz Warraich, Chairman Port Qasim Trust Authority Rear Admiral (R) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment Mian Aslam Iqbal, President Gujranwala Chamber Muhammad Umer Ashraf, President Sheikhupura Chamber Adil Mehmood, former LCCI office-bearers and Executive Committee Members also spoke on the occasion.
The Minister said that powers were shifted to the provinces after 18th amendment which has created a number of issues. He said that fisheries is third largest trade in the world but Pakistan’s exports in this regard are negligible despite having all resources. He said that Sindh Fisheries has given the land on Karachi Port Trust on lease and fisheries sector is being neglected.
Ali Haider Zaidi said that 90 per cent collection of the Federal Board of Revenue is from ports. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is connected with all other ministries as most of the trading goods are being handled through ports. He said that Pakistan has a single terminal to handle coal. He said that terminal of Pakistan Steel Mills is out of order since long.
He said that the price of containers increased due to growing demand. He said that negotiations on Port Qasim Agreements are well on the way. He said that such policies are being formed that can be followed by the people to come.
The Minister said that commitments, which have made by the state in past are being rectified under rules and regulations. “We are improving efficiency rapidly through reforms”, he added.
The LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah said that violation of manifestation by shipping companies which results in delays and extra demurrage and warfare charges for the businesses. He also demanded rationalization of Terminal Handling Charges, Port Storage Charges and Container Detention Charges which have been increased excessively in the recent times.
He said that unfair treatment of Shipping Companies with regard to Container Security charges for the up-country businesses and recommended to ensure uniform charges.
The LCCI President appreciated the Federal Minister for being much responsive about the issues related to Delivery Order (D/O) which includes the delays of 1 to 2 days in issuance of D/O and over-charging by the shipping companies (varying from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000) for issuance of Delivery Order.
