ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive revamp of Pakistan’s maritime sector with a goal to increase revenue from Rs2,610 billion to Rs8,000-9,000 billion.
Key Objectives of the Plan
The overhaul focuses on:
Ports’ governance & restructuring
Revenue generation & investment facilitation
Digitisation for efficiency
Shipbuilding & repair industry revival
Expansion of fisheries & aquaculture
Implementation Strategy
- A high-level implementation committee is in place, headed by the Minister for Defence, with members from law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and port authorities.
- The committee meets fortnightly to monitor progress and ensure timely execution of reforms.
- 120+ action items have been identified, with strict deadlines for implementation.
Major Reforms Underway
Creation of Pakistan Maritime & Sea Port Authority (PMSPA) by March 30, 2025
Appointment of CEOs for Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA)
Upgrading Gwadar Port under CPEC, including:
- Hinterland connectivity
- Breakwater construction
- Second-phase expansion to make it a deep-sea port
24/7 Operations at KPT (currently restricted to 7 hours/day)
Shipbuilding & Repair Industry Development
Remodeling Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC)
National Ports Master Plan Update
Ports Tariff Standardisation & Reducing Dwell Time
Improved Trans-shipment Operations & New Terminal Construction
Third-party Performance Audits of Ports
Harbor Dredging & Encroachment Removal at KPT
KPT-Pipri Railway Link Rehabilitation
Attracting Chinese Seafood Industry Investment in Pakistan
Cluster Shrimp Farming in Sindh & Balochistan
Challenges & Economic Impact
KPT’s Inefficiency:
- 80% of its revenue is spent on salaries & pensions due to mismanagement & overstaffing.
- Lack of digitisation is increasing operational inefficiencies.
No Pakistani Cargo Ships:
- Pakistan does not own a single cargo container ship, leading to a foreign exchange loss of $5-8 billion per year.
Declining Shipbreaking Industry:
- Gaddani was once the world’s leading shipbreaking hub but has declined due to high taxes & weak policies.
Why This Matters
Pakistan has one of the most strategic coastlines, but its maritime sector is underperforming due to poor planning & lack of coordination. The revamp plan aims to unlock billions in trade revenue and strengthen Pakistan’s global maritime presence.