Maritime Reforms: 85 Task Force Measures Completed, Port Revenues Reach Record High

As a result of the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms, significant improvements have been recorded in the performance of national ports, trade activities and cargo handling. Of the 99 actionable measures proposed by the Task Force for upgrading port operations, 85 have been successfully implemented.

Under the reform process, self-reliance has been achieved in the field of dredging at ports to maintain the required depth and ensure the uninterrupted movement of large vessels. These measures have led to a remarkable increase in port revenue collection, with recovery rising from Rs3 billion last year to Rs7 billion this year.

In addition, more than 2,000 long-pending containers have been shifted to off-dock terminals to reduce congestion at ports. To facilitate exporters, 90 percent of the duty drawback claims system is being digitized and automated.

The installation of a modern digital framework under the Pakistan Single Window has also enabled faster and more transparent progress in eliminating port congestion and streamlining the cargo clearance process.