Prime Minister’s Task Force Launches Maritime Reforms to Boost Self-Reliance in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector

Islamabad (Web Desk) — The Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms has launched urgent measures to make Pakistan’s maritime sector self-reliant and integrate the country’s maritime resources, estimated to be worth more than $100 billion, into the national economy.

For decades, Pakistan’s reliance on foreign vessels for domestic and international cargo transportation has resulted in billions of dollars in foreign exchange outflows. The situation has also affected key areas such as port dredging, the development of modern fishing vessels and the expansion of the national shipping fleet.

External Dependence and Long-Standing Challenges

According to available data, the domestic shipping industry has historically accounted for only around 11 percent of Pakistan’s overall maritime trade. The major challenges include:

Dependence on foreign shipping: Around 89 percent of the country’s cargo transportation has traditionally been handled by foreign shipping companies.

Technological dependence: Pakistan has continued to rely on foreign firms for port rehabilitation, dredging and modern fishing infrastructure.

Heavy foreign exchange outflow: Billions of dollars have been transferred abroad annually in the form of freight charges and maritime services.

99-Point Maritime Roadmap and Future Strategy

To address these structural challenges, a comprehensive 99-point Maritime Roadmap was approved on December 24, 2024, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Implementation of the roadmap is now underway in a coordinated manner.

The roadmap focuses on the digitalization of ports, modernization of shipping and logistics, expansion of domestic shipbuilding capacity, and development of the fisheries sector in line with international standards.

The initiative aims to transform Pakistan’s maritime sector into a sustainable, transparent and profitable economic hub while reducing dependence on foreign maritime services and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international trade.