Pakistan trade hit as regional conflicts drive up freight costs

Islamabad: Pakistan’s international trade is facing serious pressure because of conflicts in Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East. Regional supply chains have been disrupted, freight costs have increased, and exports to Gulf and Central Asian countries have been affected. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce was informed that the current regional situation has created problems for both Pakistan’s import and export sectors. The Ministry of Commerce said maritime and air freight costs have gone up, while trade routes and supply chains are facing difficulties.

The committee met at Parliament House, chaired by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan. The committee considered important legislative and policy matters, including the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Insurance Bill, 2026, and the Trade Organizations (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026. During the meeting, the Convener of the Sub Committee presented the report on the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Insurance Bill, 2026, and the Trade Organizations (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026.

While discussing the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Chairman Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan observed that copyright protection for literary works used for educational purposes in schools should be clearly defined. The Ministry informed the committee that Section 57 of the proposed law properly covers the matter. The chairman agreed with the Ministry’s explanation. The committee discussed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in detail and reviewed its provisions.

After detailed deliberations, the committee recommended the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for passage by the National Assembly. The committee was also briefed on the Insurance Bill, 2026. The Ministry informed the committee that the new bill will replace the existing insurance law after more than 25 years. Officials said the proposed law aims to remove regulatory gaps and help develop Pakistan’s insurance market.

The committee was informed that the bill will strengthen the supervisory and regulatory powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. The Ministry said the bill will also align the insurance legal framework with modern requirements. The proposed law better safeguards policyholders. It also introduces dispute resolution through the Federal Insurance Ombudsperson.

Officials said the bill allows third party evaluations under the SECP and creates a more complete regulatory framework for insurance companies. The bill also includes provisions for managing insurance companies assets and liabilities. The committee examined the Insurance Bill, 2026, in detail and reviewed its provisions. After a detailed discussion, the committee recommended the Insurance Bill, 2026, for passage by the National Assembly.

However, the committee deferred consideration of the Trade Organizations (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026, because the mover of the bill did not attend the meeting. The committee also received a detailed briefing from the Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, on the impact of regional conflicts on Pakistan’s international trade. The committee was informed that conflicts in Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East have badly affected regional supply chains.

Officials said the situation has increased maritime and air freight costs. The Ministry also informed the committee that Pakistan’s exports to Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Central Asian Republics have been affected. Officials said the situation has created challenges for Pakistan’s importers and exporters. The Ministry said the government is taking steps to reduce trade pressure.

These steps include finding different shipping routes, improving air cargo operations, using alternative trade corridors and staying in contact with regional partners. These measures aim to keep Pakistan’s trade moving and strengthen the country’s international commerce during difficult regional conditions. The meeting ended with a note of thanks from the chair to the members for their participation.

The committee’s proceedings showed that Pakistan is trying to update important laws while also facing serious trade pressure because of regional conflicts. Members said trade, insurance, copyright protection and market regulation are important areas that need clear laws, strong institutions and timely government action.