Pakistan Moves Towards Self-Reliance Under PM’s Maritime Task Force

Pakistan is taking important steps to reduce its dependence on foreign companies in the maritime sector under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms.

Pakistan has significant potential in its blue economy, with its maritime resources estimated to have a potential value of more than $100 billion. However, the country has not been able to fully benefit from these resources and national maritime assets for many years.

A large share of Pakistan’s cargo has been transported by foreign ships, keeping the country’s shipping industry dependent on foreign operators. Pakistan has also relied on foreign companies for port dredging and the construction of fishing boats.

This dependence has resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses over the years. The share of Pakistani shipping companies in national cargo has remained around 11%, creating a major challenge for economic self-reliance.

To address these issues, a 99-point maritime roadmap was presented on December 24, 2024, under the task force established by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The roadmap focuses on modernising ports, logistics, shipping, shipbuilding and fisheries. Work is also continuing to strengthen national shipping and shipbuilding capacity.

The reforms aim to make Pakistan’s maritime sector more self-reliant, transparent and competitive while unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.