ISLAMABAD – SAPM chairs meeting of the Task Force on enhancing cement and clinker exports on Thursday. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan led the session, which was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, Arif Habib, officials from Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), State Bank of Pakistan, Gwadar Port Authority, and senior government representatives.
The Task Force briefed the forum on ongoing initiatives. During the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that two new multi-purpose berths at Port Qasim will soon be completed. He directed the Port Qasim Authority to provide a clear timeline for the berths’ establishment.
The Port Qasim Authority chairman informed that a proposal for 30,000 metric tons of additional storage capacity has already been submitted for board approval. He also assured that repair work on existing storage facilities will be completed by December 2025. Similarly, the chairman of KPT shared that berths numbered 10 to 17 are expected to be finalized by April 2026.
Highlighting regional trade opportunities, Haroon Akhtar Khan instructed the State Bank of Pakistan to coordinate with Pakistan’s ambassador in Dhaka. He said that obtaining a list of Bangladeshi cement importers will make it easier for Pakistani banks in Bangladesh to process Letters of Credit, thereby improving export competitiveness.
During the session, SAPM chairs meeting directives also included forming a sub-working group. This group, comprising officials from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, KPT, and Arif Habib, will identify land near Karachi Northern Bypass for truck marshalling yards. According to Haroon Akhtar Khan, these facilities will reduce transport costs and save time in cement delivery.
The SAPM reiterated that the government is committed to supporting exporters. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is closely monitoring efforts to make Pakistan’s export sector more competitive in the global market.
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