Maritime Reforms Drive Modernisation and Self-Reliance in Pakistan’s Ports

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s maritime sector is undergoing a major drive toward greater self-reliance and modernisation under reforms introduced by the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms.

The initiatives are aimed at improving port performance, trade facilitation and cargo movement while reducing delays and strengthening the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The Maritime Task Force identified 99 actionable reform measures to improve port operations, out of which 85 have been completed, according to the information available.

The reforms cover port operations, cargo handling, customs procedures, digitalisation and infrastructure development.

Officials said the measures have already contributed to improved efficiency and faster processing across Pakistan’s major ports.

The maritime reforms have also focused on increasing Pakistan’s domestic capacity for dredging to maintain the required depth of port channels.

Improved dredging capabilities are helping ports maintain navigable channels and facilitate the movement of larger vessels.

Further expansion of domestic dredging capacity is planned to improve vessel traffic and ensure smoother cargo flows through the country’s ports.

Port reforms have also contributed to an increase in financial recoveries.

According to the figures provided, Rs7 billion has been recovered during the current year, compared with Rs3 billion recovered last year.

The increase has been linked to efforts to improve port management, strengthen financial controls and enhance collection mechanisms.

Following recommendations from the Maritime Task Force, more than 2,000 long-stalled containers have been moved out of dock terminals.

The measure is intended to reduce congestion, free up terminal space and accelerate the movement and clearance of cargo.

Reducing the accumulation of containers is also expected to improve operational efficiency and lower delays for importers and exporters.

Around 90 percent of exporters’ duty drawback claims are being automated through an online system.

The digital process is aimed at reducing paperwork, speeding up reimbursements and improving transparency in the handling of export-related claims.

Under the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) initiative, a Port Community System digital framework is being developed to further streamline port-related procedures.

The system is expected to connect relevant stakeholders digitally and improve coordination among government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, traders and other participants in the maritime supply chain.

Greater digital integration is intended to make cargo clearance faster, more transparent and easier to monitor.

Officials said the combined measures introduced by the Prime Minister’s Task Force and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs have helped reduce port congestion and significantly accelerate cargo clearance.

The reforms are also aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s position as a competitive regional trading hub by improving the efficiency of its ports and maritime logistics system.

With most of the identified reform measures already completed, the government is now focusing on expanding dredging capacity, deepening digital integration and further improving cargo movement to build a more modern and self-reliant maritime sector.