Maritime Sector Makes Major Strides: Karachi Port and Port Qasim Improve Significantly in Global Rankings

Islamabad (Web Desk) — Pakistan’s maritime sector has made significant progress as a result of effective reforms introduced by the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Affairs. Within one year, Karachi Port and Port Qasim have recorded substantial improvements in global rankings, while revenues have also witnessed a record increase.

According to the latest figures, Karachi Port improved its global ranking by 30 positions in just one year, rising from 99th to 69th place. Meanwhile, Port Qasim jumped 18 positions, moving from 74th to 56th place. Based on their current capacity, Karachi Port and Port Qasim can jointly handle more than 100 million tonnes of cargo annually.

The benefits of maritime reforms are also having a positive impact on the national economy. According to the report, Goods Declaration revenue increased by 16 percent, while income tax collections rose by 14 percent. Electronic legal revenues also recorded a significant increase of 105 percent.

Improved port facilities and upgraded systems are helping Pakistan strengthen its position as an important transshipment hub in the region.

In addition, to promote the local shipbuilding industry, sales tax on the purchase of ships and their raw materials has been abolished. Measures including new ports, faster customs clearance, uniform port tariffs and improved logistics are also providing further support to the domestic shipbuilding industry.