Minister Seeks Closer Coordination To Ease Textile Exporters’ Port Issues
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry urged exporters to ensure timely filing of Goods Declarations (GDs) and completion of documentation. This call was made during a meeting he chaired on issues faced by textile exporters at ports, attended by representatives from the export industry, port authorities, Customs, relevant government departments, and other stakeholders.
Chaudhry emphasized the need for closer coordination among Customs, port authorities, exporters, and shipping stakeholders to address clearance delays and enhance the predictability of transit times for textile exports.
Customs and port authorities provided an overview of existing clearance procedures and the time taken at each stage. Participants stressed the importance of improved collaboration between Customs, port authorities, terminal operators, traders, and other stakeholders to boost operational efficiency.
The meeting also reviewed selected consignments scheduled for scanning. It was agreed that efficient scheduling is crucial to avoid delays while adhering to regulatory and security requirements.
Junaid Chaudhry instructed Customs authorities to review the scanning process, identify causes of delays, and work with relevant parties to streamline operations. He additionally called for greater utilization of Pakistan's Single Window (PSW) and advance electronic processing to expedite clearance before or upon cargo arrival.
The minister further directed authorities to examine existing procedures and explore opportunities to reduce processing times through digitalisation, advance filing, and improved coordination among Customs, exporters, shipping lines, port operators, and PSW stakeholders.
Exporters voiced concerns regarding longer transit times due to disruptions in international shipping routes, particularly those connected to the Red Sea situation. The meeting acknowledged that route changes and prolonged vessel journeys posed additional challenges for shipments.
Chaudhry stated that these issues require both immediate operational solutions and long-term enhancements in shipping connectivity. He assured that exporters' concerns would be addressed through a coordinated mechanism. It was agreed that Customs, exporters, and PSW stakeholders would maintain ongoing communication through the relevant coordination mechanism and hold follow-up discussions on cargo dwell time and scanning-related matters.
The minister emphasized the urgency of implementing prompt and practical measures to resolve port and customs bottlenecks impacting Pakistan's textile export competitiveness. He directed relevant authorities to collaborate closely with exporters, port authorities, Customs, PSW, and shipping lines to enhance clearance efficiency and facilitate shorter, more predictable transit times.