Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh says the government is focused on improving port efficiency and container management to ensure that shipments are processed in a timely and cost-effective manner.

He was addressing a conference titled 'National Policy Dialogue on Circularity and Used Textile Trade in Pakistan' in Islamabad today.

The Minister emphasized the vital role of Pakistan's maritime infrastructure in facilitating the import of second-hand textiles. He said over 430,000 metric tons of used clothing arrived in Pakistan in last fiscal year. He emphasized that the efficient handling of these imports is essential for supporting local economies, job creation, and textile recycling efforts.

Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh also outlined its ongoing efforts to develop waste sorting hubs for textile reuse and recycling, a key step in managing textile waste and reducing the environmental impact of global textile trade.  He said the government is committed to implementing regulations that will limit pollutants from textile shipments, particularly harmful chemicals, to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable shipping practices.

The Minister said the government is also exploring green shipping alternatives, including the adoption of cleaner fuels and energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon emissions from shipping operations.