KARACHI: With an aim to facilitate the importers, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Micheal says his ministry would soon increase the Free Time at Karachi ports from present 5 days to either 8 or 10 days.
In this regard, a final negotiation would be held with the leaders of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) before making an announcement, he stated while addressing the business leaders at Federation House on Thursday.
The issue was brought before the federal minister by the FPCCI leader Tariq Haleem who demanded that the Free Time of that 2003 should be restored. However, the minister said he would like to negotiate with the business community and later reach on final decision.
The Gwadar Port is being given much importance and at least 6 flights are being flown to the port every week. Besides, some 2281 acres of lands have been acquired at the Gwadar Port to establish Gwadar Free Zone, the minister added.
