FM Dar calls for better port connectivity to maximize Pakistan’s economic benefits

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday highlighted the need to improve port connectivity to maximize the benefits of Pakistan’s strategic geographical location.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), FM Dar chaired a high-level meeting on improving port connectivity, during which participants reviewed measures to improve the efficiency, competitiveness and connectivity of Pakistani ports.

“Secretary Maritime Affairs gave a detailed briefing to the committee on the current situation of Pakistani ports and their capacity utilization,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an article on X.

FM Dar said Pakistan’s geographical location was “an asset that needs to be explored”, adding that the country “lies at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia”. He said improving connectivity would enable Pakistan to “reap maximum economic benefits”.

“The committee reviewed measures to develop and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Pakistani ports,” the statement added.

The discussions also focused on improving port connectivity, streamlining operational processes, strengthening inter-agency coordination, facilitating trade and logistics, and advancing reforms aimed at positioning Pakistani ports as “effective regional trade gateways”, according to the ministry.

The meeting was attended by Ministers for Law and Maritime Affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Maritime Affairs, Director General of National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Chairman of Karachi Ports Authority and senior officials of relevant departments, the statement added.

Read: Dar chairs meeting on improving government efficiency

Meanwhile, FM Dar met Pakistan High Commissioner Designate to the UK Tipu Usman Chaudhry and requested him to intensify efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Dar highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and requested the High Commissioner-designate to redouble efforts to further deepen and broaden the partnership between the two countries in the political, economic and people-to-people fields,” the statement said.

FM Dar also highlighted that the UK is home to “one of the largest, most dynamic and dynamic Pakistani diasporas in the world”, stressing that extending proactive consular services and social support to the overseas Pakistani community “must remain a top priority” for the High Commission.

“FM Dar also appreciated Chaudhry’s contributions as chief of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wished him success in his new assignment,” according to the ministry.