Islamabad: The Prime Minister's Task Force on Maritime Reforms has completed eighty-four out of ninety-nine reform action points, marking significant progress in Pakistan's efforts to modernize its ports, shipbuilding, and fisheries sectors. This was stated by Co-Chair of the Task Force Iftikhar Ahmad, Secretary Maritime Affairs Nadeem Mahbub, and a Member of the FBR while addressing a news conference in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Task Force's Co-Chair highlighted that Pakistan's ports have registered a notable improvement in global rankings. Karachi Port has advanced thirty places, moving from 99th to 69th, and Port Qasim has improved its ranking by eighteen places. In terms of shipbuilding progress, sales tax has been removed on shipbuilding materials in the current budget, a move expected to boost the shipbuilding sector. Improvements have also been noted in the ship breaking and fisheries sectors.

Secretary Maritime Affairs Nadeem Mahbub remarked that the vision is to transform Pakistan into a regional transhipment hub. He reported that cargo handling at Karachi Port increased to 55.8 million tonnes, and at Port Qasim, it rose to forty-seven million tonnes over the past year. The Secretary also mentioned that the Pakistan Shipping Policy 2026 has been prepared following detailed consultations and is set to be presented before the cabinet for approval this month. A transhipment policy has also been crafted to facilitate both local and international clients.

A member of the FBR stated that the installation of a faceless assessment system at the ports has led to an increase in revenue growth. Additionally, a state-of-the-art system has been implemented for cargo handling from ports to the upcountry.