Government suspends KPT’s planned 5% tariff hike

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday the suspension of the proposed 5% tariff increase by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for the fiscal year 2026–27. As per a statement, the minister said the decision will provide overall relief of more than Rs500 million to importers, exporters, and the general public. “The decision is in line with the federal government’s policy of reducing the financial burden on the business community and promoting national trade and exports,” he said. “Ports play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, and any increase in port charges directly raises the cost of doing business.”