KARACHI, 1 October 2004 — Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz ordered the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to ensure efficient functioning of the ports in the country. Presiding over a meeting of the ministry he said the Karachi Port Trust and the Port Qasim Authority would be made independent corporations by June 30 next year. He directed the ministry to set up industrial zones in port areas to promote industries. The prime minister said the ministry should prepare a practical policy and a real estate development plan for both the Karachi Port Trust and the Port Qasim by Dec. 31. The prime minister also directed the Economic Affairs Division to play its role in boosting investment and trade. He said the Economic Affairs Division should assist other ministries in achieving their goals.
