KPT Plans Night Cargo Inspections to Ease Port Congestion in Karachi

Importers urged to file Goods Declarations in advance as port authorities seek faster cargo clearance and improved transport connectivity.

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) plans to introduce night-time cargo inspections in coordination with Customs authorities to reduce delays and ease congestion at Karachi Port.

The announcement came during an interactive seminar titled “From Congestion to Connectivity”, co-chaired by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Chairman Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas HI(M) (Retd) and KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd) at KPT Staff College, Lalazar.

Both officials assured transporters that the authorities would pursue practical measures to address operational bottlenecks, improve cargo movement and strengthen connectivity between ports and transport networks.

They also announced the revival of a joint stakeholders’ committee to address traffic-related problems and improve coordination among relevant parties.

Night Inspections and Advance Filing to Speed Up Clearance

KPT’s chairman said the port had approached Customs authorities to begin night-time cargo inspections and streamline clearance procedures.

He also urged importers to submit Goods Declarations (GDs) in advance to help speed up cargo processing and reduce delays.

Advance filing can allow relevant documentation to be processed earlier, helping stakeholders coordinate cargo clearance and transportation more efficiently.

The chairman expressed confidence that substantial progress on the identified issues could be achieved by December 2026.

Sindh Plans 1,000-Acre Marshalling Yard

The KPT chairman also announced that the Sindh government had initiated the tendering process for a modern marshalling yard spanning 1,000 acres.

The proposed facility is intended to support port-related logistics and help address traffic congestion caused by cargo transport operations.

He also highlighted connectivity projects, including the Pipri Corridor, M-10, Northern Bypass and ML-1, as part of efforts to improve transport links and cargo movement.

Transporters Highlight Operational Challenges

During the seminar, transporters raised concerns over traffic congestion, limited parking facilities, road capacity and delays affecting port operations.

They also offered weekend transport services at no additional charge to help facilitate trade and cargo movement.

The discussions focused on improving coordination between port authorities, Customs, importers and transport operators to address recurring bottlenecks.

Joint Committee to Coordinate Practical Solutions

KPT reaffirmed its commitment to coordinated action with PQA and other stakeholders to improve port connectivity and operational efficiency.

The revived joint committee is expected to provide a forum for addressing traffic-related issues and identifying practical solutions to cargo delays.

Efforts to improve advance documentation, inspection arrangements, road connectivity and transport coordination will be important to reducing congestion and supporting smoother trade flows through Karachi’s port infrastructure.