170 port personnel promoted after 24 years

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced the promotion of 170 Karachi Port Security Force personnel after a 24-year wait, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

During a high-level meeting chaired by the minister, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed outlined measures to resolve this long-pending issue affecting the port's security workforce. The minister hailed the move as a major administrative breakthrough, ending over two decades of career stagnation for the force.

Chaudhry commended the KPT's new hierarchy under his leadership for streamlining the process and fulfilling all procedural requirements. Describing it as "another success story," he stressed the need to institutionalise transparent, timely promotions based on service tenure and performance. "This should not be an isolated step but a sustainable process," he said. "Strong human resource practices are vital for boosting morale and efficiency at critical national assets."

Ahmed noted that procedural complexities had delayed the promotions for years, but all formalities were now complete per regulations. He expressed confidence that the decision would elevate personnel morale and strengthen port security operations.

Chaudhry noted that the Karachi Port Security Force plays a pivotal role in safeguarding one of Pakistan's busiest maritime gateways, and expressed confidence that resolving such service-related matters would enhance workforce motivation and institutional performance.