Maritime Reforms Task Force Achieves Major Milestone

National Dredging and Marine Services Established; Encroachments Cleared from Karachi Port and Uniform Port Tariffs Introduced

Islamabad — The Prime Minister's Maritime Reforms Task Force has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to modernize Pakistan's blue economy. The Reform Implementation Committee, established in December 2024, has successfully implemented 85 of the 99 key action points proposed by the task force within just one and a half years.

The high-level committee comprises experts and representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the maritime and logistics sectors—including the National Logistics Corporation (NLC)—as well as other relevant government institutions. The committee has introduced wide-ranging reforms in port master planning, shipping, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and the fisheries sector.

Progress on Maritime Reform Initiatives

The task force submitted a total of 99 reform recommendations, with progress reported as follows:

• Completed: Full implementation of 85 action points.
• In the final stages: 11 recommendations are nearing completion.
• Long-term initiatives: Work continues on the remaining three recommendations under a long-term policy framework.

Key Achievement

One of the most significant accomplishments is the establishment of the National Dredging and Marine Services, marking a major step toward self-reliance in port dredging operations. The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on foreign service providers and help save valuable foreign exchange.

Transformational Reforms Across the Maritime Sector

The reform programme has significantly enhanced the operational capacity of Pakistan's ports while addressing long-standing administrative and regulatory challenges.

Policy and Operational Achievements

Port Management:

A comprehensive master plan has been prepared for the country's ports, and a uniform port tariff has been introduced nationwide to improve efficiency and strengthen commercial competitiveness.

Removal of Encroachments and Customs Reforms:

Illegal encroachments on valuable land at Karachi Port have been removed. In addition, modern customs regulations have been introduced to facilitate transshipment and bunkering operations.

Industrial Revival:

A five-year provincial development plan for the fisheries sector has been finalized. Meanwhile, ship recycling has officially resumed in Pakistan after an eight-year suspension, marking a major revival of the industry.

According to the government, these reforms have made Pakistan's ports more efficient, secure, and competitive for international logistics and transit trade, strengthening the country's position as a regional trade and maritime hub.