ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved key recommendations of the Maritime Sector Task Force, including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority.
According to the private tv channel report, the approval aims to revive and improve maritime affairs by creating the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority.
Legal expert Farogh Naseem will draft the Act. As per the approved recommendations, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) will present proposals and seek cabinet approval for amending the laws.
The Prime Minister has directed the appointment of professional Chief Executive Officers for Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, and Gwadar Port Authority. He also instructed the National Logistics Cell to develop a business model for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
As per the report, the recommendations include proposals for offloading PNSC shares or complete privatization. It has been decided that shares will be offered to Pakistan’s private sector instead of international buyers.
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The Task Force recommended that PNSC immediately upgrade and expand its fleet with modern ships. A comprehensive fleet renewal plan is to be developed as part of PNSC’s five-year business strategy.
Encouragement will be given to manufacturing container ships domestically in collaboration with Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
Additionally, PNSC will explore opportunities in other merchant shipping sectors. Initially, focus will be placed on edible oil shipping, containerized shipping, and LPG shipping.
The recommendations also include preparing a National Dredging Plan for channel cleaning and funding, expediting the purchase and deployment of a Vessel Traffic Management System, and reducing taxes on machinery and equipment for local shipbuilding projects.
