ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s maritime sector has achieved major milestones under the Prime Minister’s reform agenda, with authorities completing 85 of 99 planned initiatives aimed at modernising ports, shipping, shipbuilding, fisheries and maritime logistics.
The country has completed 85 of the 99 reform measures proposed under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms, according to official details.
The Reform Implementation Committee, established in December 2024 under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms, said the reforms have been carried out across key areas, including ports, shipping, shipbuilding, ship recycling and fisheries.
The committee has completed 85 action points within one and a half years, while 11 of the remaining initiatives are in the final stages of implementation. Work on the remaining three reforms is continuing under a long-term strategy.
Maritime reform agenda
The Reform Implementation Committee comprises experts from the Ministry of Defence, the maritime and logistics sectors, including the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), as well as representatives of other relevant institutions.
The Prime Minister’s Task Force had proposed 99 recommendations aimed at overhauling Pakistan’s maritime sector and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of its ports and related industries.
The committee launched reforms covering port master planning, shipping, shipbuilding, ship recycling and fisheries soon after its establishment.
Key reforms completed
Major reforms completed so far include the preparation of a National Ports Master Plan, implementation of a uniform port tariff and measures to facilitate transit trade.
The government has also expanded port capacity, introduced a modern monitoring system for Special Economic Zones, and removed encroachments from Karachi Port land.
Additional reforms include updating customs regulations governing transshipment and bunkering operations and introducing measures to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic shipbuilding and ship repair industry.
Fisheries and ship recycling
In the fisheries sector, the government has finalised a five-year provincial fisheries development plan aimed at strengthening the industry.
Ship recycling operations have resumed after an eight-year suspension, which is another milestone in reviving Pakistan’s maritime economy.
Building domestic capability
As part of the broader reform programme, the government has established the National Dredging and Marine Services.
The new organisation is intended to strengthen Pakistan’s self-reliance in port dredging operations and reduce dependence on external service providers.
The maritime reform agenda is designed to improve port efficiency, enhance logistics and shipping infrastructure, promote investment and support the long-term development of Pakistan’s maritime economy.
