ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms has completed 85 of 99 reform action points within a year and a half, marking significant progress in Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its ports, shipping, shipbuilding and fisheries sectors.
According to official details, the Reform Implementation Committee, established in December 2024, has implemented the majority of the recommendations put forward by the Prime Minister’s Task Force. Of the remaining 14 action points, 11 are in the final stages of completion, while work on the remaining three is continuing under a long-term strategy.
The committee comprises experts from the Ministry of Defence, the maritime and logistics sectors, including the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), along with representatives of other relevant institutions.
Among the major reforms completed are the preparation of a National Ports Master Plan, implementation of a uniform port tariff, improvements in transit trade, expansion of port capacity, introduction of a modern monitoring system for economic zones, and the removal of encroachments from Karachi Port land.
The reform package also includes new customs rules for transshipment and bunkering, measures to strengthen the local shipbuilding and ship repair industry, and the finalisation of a five-year provincial fisheries development plan.
Officials said ship recycling has resumed after an eight-year hiatus, while the establishment of the National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) marks a major step towards achieving self-reliance in port dredging and reducing dependence on foreign operators.
The government says the reforms are aimed at improving the efficiency, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s maritime sector while enhancing its role in regional trade and logistics.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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