ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been removed from the Joint War Committee (JWC) of Lloyd's, London's Hull War, Piracy, Terrorism and Related Perils Listed Areas, ending more than a decade of war risk designation for the country's ports, according to the Pakistan Navy.
In a statement posted on X, the Navy said the decision is expected to reduce war risk insurance costs for vessels calling at Pakistani ports, making the country's maritime trade more competitive while strengthening international confidence in Pakistan's maritime domain.
The Joint War Committee advises the global marine insurance market on areas considered to face elevated risks from war, terrorism, piracy and related security threats. Ships operating in listed areas can face additional war risk insurance premiums, increasing the cost of transporting cargo.
Pakistan's removal from the listed areas means vessels calling at its ports will no longer automatically be subject to those additional war risk considerations under the committee's assessment. The move is expected to lower insurance costs and enhance the commercial appeal of Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar for international shipping lines.
Maritime security
The Pakistan Navy said the decision followed an official visit to the United Kingdom by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, who met representatives of the Joint War Committee and the Lloyd's Market Association.
During the engagements, he presented Pakistan's maritime security case and highlighted the country's efforts to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment.
The announcement comes as maritime security remains under heightened international focus following recent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Pakistani authorities have repeatedly said the country's ports remained operational and maritime routes under its jurisdiction continued to function normally despite regional instability.
The development also aligns with Pakistan's broader efforts to strengthen its maritime economy through improved port infrastructure and operations. Karachi Port Trust recently reported record annual cargo handling of nearly 54 million tonnes and container throughput of more than 2.65 million TEUs, reflecting growing activity at the country's busiest seaport.
Lower war risk insurance costs could further improve the competitiveness of Pakistani ports in attracting international shipping and cargo traffic.
According to the Pakistan Navy, the decision reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan's maritime security and supports the country's efforts to expand maritime trade and reinforce its position as a regional logistics and shipping hub.