KARACHI: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhary on Sunday urged importers to import food items in advance and avoid last-minute delays to ease pressure on ports as Ramadan approaches. 

Muslims around the world fast during the holy month of Ramadan from dawn till sunset. They break the iftar meal with various food items such as fruits, dates and fried items. Thousands of people shop daily during Ramadan for iftar meals in markets across the country. 

In a message released to food importers, Chaudhry noted that the demand for edible oil and essential food items rises during the month of Ramadan. 

“Import strategies should be planned in a timely manner to reduce pressure on ports,” Chaudhry said. “Pakistani ports operate on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Chaudhry said delays in berthing of vessels and cargo lead to congestion at ports. He called on importers to share their import schedules in advance so that the port system could operate more efficiently. 

He said the timely supply of food items was possible through coordination between the public and private sectors. 

“Ensuring food security during Ramadan is a national responsibility,” the minister said. “Advance import of food commodities ahead of Ramadan is essential.”

A central moon sighting committee in Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, determines when Ramadan begins. 

The Islamic month is expected to start this year after mid-February, around Feb. 17 or Feb. 18.