Prime Minister’s Task Force Launches Major Steps to Revive Pakistan’s Shipbuilding Industry
Karachi Shipyard Assigned Central Role in Building Commercial PNSC Vessels
Karachi: Revolutionary measures have been launched under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms to modernise and revive Pakistan’s shipbuilding industry.
Under the new plan, Karachi Shipyard has been assigned a central role in commercial shipbuilding and will now construct commercial vessels for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
The primary objective of the initiative is to strengthen the national economy by modernising the country’s shipyard and prioritising its commercial shipbuilding and repair capabilities.
Global Partnerships and Technology Acquisition
The government is promoting technical and commercial cooperation with international organisations to develop Pakistan into a regional shipbuilding hub.
International collaboration: Efforts to establish joint ventures with international shipyards have been accelerated to acquire advanced technology and bring global shipbuilding orders to Pakistan.
Active role of national institutions: The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and other national institutions are playing an active role in the Prime Minister’s Task Force established to develop the maritime sector.
Standardisation of harbour crafts: Instructions have been issued to standardise all harbour crafts used at ports across the country and bring them in line with international standards.
Impact on the National Economy and Blue Economy
According to experts, Pakistan has strong geographical potential to emerge as a regional shipbuilding hub, while the proposed reforms could significantly transform the national economy.
Foreign exchange savings: The decision to award all domestic shipbuilding orders to the national shipyard will reduce reliance on foreign shipyards and help save valuable foreign exchange.
New employment opportunities: The revival of the national shipyard will create substantial employment opportunities for Pakistani engineers, technicians and skilled workers.
Growth of the blue economy: The government is determined to make shipbuilding a new engine of national economic growth. The initiative is expected to become a key milestone in the development of Pakistan’s blue economy.