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ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP):A delegation of transport sector representatives on Monday met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to request for urgent measures to address chronic truck parking congestion around Karachi Port, a problem they said was disrupting cargo movement and worsening traffic in the country’s largest city.
The three-member delegation was led by President of the Pakistan Transport Alliance Malik Shahzad Awan and included President of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association Malik Shair Khan Awan and United Goods Transporters Association representative Ghulam Yaseen Khan, said a press release.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the acute shortage of designated parking facilities for heavy vehicles operating at and around Karachi Port.
They said the lack of proper parking had forced thousands of trucks to queue daily on major city roads while awaiting port entry, leading to severe traffic congestion, delays in cargo handling and rising operational costs for transporters.
The transporters told the minister that the situation was creating inconvenience for commuters and contributing to environmental and road safety concerns, particularly during peak port operations. They urged the federal government to allocate dedicated land near the port for truck parking as a long-term solution.
Junaid Chaudhry acknowledged the concerns and described truck parking as a critical bottleneck affecting both port efficiency and urban mobility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving port-related infrastructure to support trade and economic activity.
The minister agreed in principle to allocate 50 acres of land for the establishment of a dedicated truck parking facility for vehicles serving Karachi Port. He directed relevant departments to begin coordination and feasibility work in consultation with stakeholders from the transport and logistics sectors.
Resolving traffic management and parking issues was essential for enhancing maritime trade efficiency and improving the quality of life for Karachi residents, Minister Chaudhry said.
The delegation welcomed the assurance and expressed hope that the announced measure would lead to a sustainable solution to one of the transport sector’s longstanding challenges.