PM forms 11-member panel to review maritime trade risks, energy logistics amid regional tensions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted an 11-member committee to assess emerging logistical challenges for Pakistan’s maritime trade, with a focus on energy supply chains, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

As per media reports, the committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has been directed to submit recommendations within two days to frame a response strategy aimed at protecting maritime trade flows, according to officials.

At its meeting, the committee reviewed risks and opportunities for the maritime sector amid shifting trade routes and disruptions in key international waterways. The maritime minister said Pakistan’s ports have capacity that can be positioned to attract international shipping lines for transhipment operations.

Participants discussed opportunities that could emerge if major international shipping corridors face closures or restrictions, and considered steps to strengthen Pakistan’s role as an alternative transit and transhipment destination.

The committee reviewed proposals for amendments to relevant rules and regulations, where needed, to facilitate international transhipment through on-dock and off-dock terminals. Officials said the focus is to improve operational efficiency and ease of doing business.

The meeting also discussed leveraging Gwadar Port for regional transhipment and logistics activity. The chairmen of Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust and Gwadar Port Authority joined the session virtually and briefed the committee on operational readiness and available capacity for container transhipment, bulk cargo handling and refuelling services.

Committee members include the minister of state for finance, senior officials from the ministries of maritime affairs, commerce and petroleum, the FBR chairman and customs member, the NLC chief, a representative from the prime minister’s office and a technical adviser from the commerce ministry.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani told the meeting the panel should present practical and time-bound recommendations to address challenges facing maritime trade. 

The maritime minister said coordinated planning and timely policy decisions could help position Pakistan’s ports as transhipment and logistics hubs.