ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is rolling out reforms to its ports, shipping and maritime industries as the government seeks to increase efficiency and expand the sector's contribution to the economy, according to government statements cited by Radio Pakistan.
The Prime Minister's Maritime Reforms Task Force has developed a 99-point roadmap covering ports, shipping, shipbuilding and fisheries, as per Radio Pakistan.
The government has also introduced a uniform tariff system across ports and integrated the Pakistan Single Window with a faceless customs assessment system, which Radio Pakistan reported has reduced cargo clearance times from 53 hours to 18 hours.
The government is also pursuing infrastructure projects and investment. The Press Information Department reported on Thursday that work had begun on a Rs12 billion ($43.2 million) modernization of the Gadani shipbreaking yard.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in January that the maritime sector recorded Rs100 billion ($360.3 million) in profit in 2025 following reforms. He also said the government's long-term maritime plan aims to develop a Blue Economy worth $100 billion by 2047.
The government has cited foreign investment as another part of its maritime strategy. In a 2024 government statement, officials said Hutchison Ports had committed $1 billion to Karachi Port and Abu Dhabi's AD Ports Group had committed $330 million to port infrastructure.
Pakistan and Belgium also agreed this week to strengthen cooperation on maritime education, training, exchanges and port development, according to the Press Information Department.