Karachi: In a significant move to enhance operational efficiency and meet the demands of the business community, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has mandated that all shipping companies remain operational on Saturdays starting July 20, 2024, to issue Delivery Orders (DO). This decision comes as part of efforts to establish a regulatory authority for the shipping sector.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by KPT Chairman Syed Syedain Raza Zaidi. The meeting, attended by prominent business and shipping leaders, addressed several critical issues, including the operational changes and the advancement of the long-pending Logistics Service Providers Regulatory Authority (LSPRA) Bill. This bill, which has been stalled since 2013, is set to be revisited next week in a session chaired by Zaidi, with the goal of reaching a consensus and forwarding the draft for approval.

The meeting also agreed on the feasibility of issuing pre-arrival DOs, a facility similar to the one used for General Declarations (GDs), which the Collector Customs (Enforcement Ports) Omair Shafiq confirmed would be implemented soon. This adjustment is expected to further streamline operations and support the business community effectively.