Pakistan launches major push to revive maritime sector

Pakistan is moving to strengthen its maritime sector through a series of reforms aimed at rebuilding domestic capacity and reducing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving to strengthen its maritime sector through a series of reforms aimed at rebuilding domestic capacity and reducing dependence on foreign shipping and services.

The initiatives are being pursued under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms. The programme covers shipbuilding, ship recycling, commercial shipping, fisheries and aquaculture.

A major development is the revival of commercial shipyard construction in Karachi. Work on new shipyards has resumed for the first time since the 1980s.

The move is expected to provide a boost to the country’s shipbuilding industry. It could also create new opportunities for investment, employment and technical development.

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) is also expanding its fleet. Its target is to increase the fleet to 54 vessels.

The expansion is aimed at increasing the use of Pakistani-flagged and national shipping capacity for the transportation of domestic cargo. Officials expect the move to improve the country’s ability to handle its own maritime freight.

The entry of the National Logistics Cell (NLC) into the shipping sector is another major step under the reform programme. The development is intended to strengthen domestic logistics and improve national cargo transportation.

Relevant institutions are working on measures to improve the overall performance of the maritime economy. These efforts include expanding shipping capacity, strengthening shipbuilding facilities and developing the ship recycling industry.

Fisheries and aquaculture have also been included in the reform agenda. A five-year development plan has been prepared to support growth in these sectors.

The plan aims to increase productivity and improve the income of fishermen, farmers and coastal communities. It is also expected to encourage greater investment and modern practices in fisheries and aquaculture.

The government’s broader objective is to turn the maritime sector into a stronger contributor to the national economy. Greater domestic capacity in shipping and related industries could help retain more economic activity within the country.