Installing firewalls and slow internet speeds have impacted information technology exports and various businesses across Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh addressed a conference on logistics, maritime affairs, and the blue economy at a local hotel in Karachi. He highlighted that the disruptions in internet services have affected businesses nationwide and had repercussions at Port Qasim (PQ) and Karachi Port (KPT).
In his address, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stated that the traders’ strike would not affect imports. He emphasized that everyone, including traders, must fulfil their tax obligations to achieve economic stability in the country. He assured the government would consult with traders regarding the strike and address all their concerns.
Read: IT Minister Shaza Fatima Blames VPN Usage for Internet Slowdown in Pakistan
Next month, the government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a $2 billion investment with a European logistics and shipping company. The government tirelessly works for national economic development and improvement through numerous meetings, but it still faces challenges in effective implementation.
He also mentioned that efforts to provide dredging facilities to increase port depth are underway, which will save foreign exchange. The government is evaluating proposals for handling cargo at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and shipping smaller cargo volumes to Port Qasim and Gwadar to optimize logistics. He assured investors that no port would close, signalling ongoing opportunities in the sector.
A major European company has expressed interest in the logistics and shipping sector, and the impending MoU signing promises to bring significant investment to Pakistan.
