Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive reform plan aimed at the complete reactivation of the maritime sector of Pakistan, under which the maritime and maritime maritime authority of Pakistan (PMSPA) has been established.
To guarantee an effective implementation of the reform plan, a high -level committee has formed, led by the Minister of Defense.
The Committee will include senior officials from several departments and will meet every 15 days to monitor the progress of the approved measures.
The key components of the Reform Plan include the restructuring of the National Pakistan shipping corporation (PNSC), the update of the National Ports Master Plan and the standardization of tariffs in the country’s ports.
There will also be a special approach to port digitalization and the development of new terminals in several ports. In addition, the plan addresses agriculture based on water and other related sectors.
Experts highlight that Pakistan is suffering an annual loss of RS 500 billion in the maritime sector. This loss is attributed to the underutilization of port capabilities, tax evasion and fraudulent billing. The misuse of the Afghan traffic trade system is also contributing to billions of rupees in losses.
According to experts, tax evasion alone in the maritime sector is causing an annual loss of RS 112 billion.
Economic analysts have described the reform plan as a timely and crucial step, emphasizing that its successful implementation and the digital transformation of the ports will significantly improve the economy of the country.
