ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has authorized a proposal to establish a regulatory body overseeing ports and shipping sectors, aimed at addressing export and import issues.
As per media report, the Prime Minister has issued directives to enhance the efficiency of the Green Channel. He ordered Customs offices to remain open 24 hours a day and use modern technology to prevent under-invoicing and misdeclaration.
Khurram Ijaz, former Vice President of FPCCI and Director of Pakistan Single Window and Supply Chain expert, provided these details while speaking to private media following a meeting with the Prime Minister in Islamabad.
Khurram said the Prime Minister remained focused during the meeting on “ease of doing business” to improve the country’s economy and boost investment.
He said that Federal Minister for Shipping Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister of State Ali Pervaiz, Advisor to the Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, and the Chairman of FBR were present at the meeting.
Khurram Ejaz said that during the meeting in Karachi with the PM on trade and industry, he had given some suggestions on the shipping industry and Customs issues. “Appreciating his proposals, the Prime Minister invited him to Islamabad to review them in detail,” he said.
The Prime Minister also made several important decisions regarding trade and industry, including the appointment of a regulator for the shipping industry, similar to other countries, he said.
Khurram Ejaz said that during the 40 to 50-minute meeting, the PM also appreciated the proposal to create a Safe Port, similar to Safe City, to prevent misdeclaration.
PM Shehbaz Sharif directed Customs to enhance the efficiency of the Green Channel to improve the clearance system. He stated that officers of good reputation should be appointed in Customs Intelligence.
On the instructions of Shehbaz Sharif, another meeting will be held in two days to discuss reforms in the port and shipping sector.
Before that, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs50 billion package to provide a relief of Rs4 to Rs7 per unit to protected domestic consumers for three months. Consumers using 200 units of electricity per month fall into the protected category.
“Today’s announcement will benefit at least 25 million consumers, constituting 94 percent of the total electricity consumer base,” Shehbaz said during an event in Islamabad focused on electricity bills and the energy sector.
