PM Shahbaz Sharif Orders Reforms in Shipping Sector, Expansion of National Fleet
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review reforms in Pakistan’s maritime sector, with a strong focus on modernizing the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and enhancing the country’s shipping capabilities.
📦 Key Directives Issued:
The Prime Minister called for the restructuring of PNSC along corporate lines, urging the development of a sustainable, business-focused model. He emphasized the need to modernize operations and promote private sector investment to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
🚢 National Fleet Expansion
To reduce the country’s foreign exchange burden on freight payments, PM Sharif directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and PNSC to take immediate steps to expand Pakistan’s national shipping fleet.
🌍 Boosting Regional Trade and Transit
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, the Prime Minister noted that the country is poised to become a key regional trade hub, particularly for Central Asian exports moving through Pakistani ports to global markets. He described this as a crucial opportunity to increase foreign exchange earnings through transit trade.
🛤️ Infrastructure & Investment Strategy
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of upgrading maritime and railway infrastructure to fully capitalize on regional trade routes. He also called for a comprehensive investment plan to attract the private sector into the shipping industry.
👥 Attendees
The meeting was attended by:
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Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar
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Federal Minister Ahad Khan Cheema
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Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry
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Senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and PNSC
The shipping sector reforms are part of a broader initiative to strengthen Pakistan’s logistics network, improve trade competitiveness, and support long-term economic growth.
