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Pakistan’s maritime sector recorded a profit of Rs 100 billion ($360 million) in 2025, marking its strongest financial performance to date, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Saturday while presenting the ministry’s annual performance review.
Describing the year as a turning point for the sector, the minister said the performance was driven by more than two dozen initiatives covering legislation, digitization, infrastructure development and human resource reforms.
“These reforms are modernizing ports, shipping and fisheries to unlock the true potential of the blue economy,” Chaudhry said.
He noted that Pakistan aligned its maritime regulatory framework with international standards, including conventions of the International Maritime Organization and the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling. A key step in this process was the finalization of the National Maritime Policy, which brings shipping, ports, fisheries and maritime security under a single framework to guide long-term, sustainable growth.
According to the minister, the federal cabinet also approved a National Shipping Policy aimed at expanding the Pakistan-flagged fleet to reduce reliance on foreign carriers, which he described as a longstanding drain on foreign exchange.
Stakeholder consultations were completed on the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, which targets annual seafood exports of $2 billion and the creation of nearly two million jobs across coastal areas and allied industries.
Port Performance and Operational Gains
Operational efficiency at major ports improved during the year. Karachi Port handled a record 54 million tons of cargo, while vessel dwell time was reduced by 24 to 36 hours through improved coordination among port authorities, customs and other agencies. The goal, the minister said, is to achieve an average turnaround time of five days, in line with regional benchmarks.
Cost-cutting measures also contributed to improved financial performance. Reduced overtime payments at the Karachi Port Trust resulted in savings of approximately Rs 70 million per month, while the elimination of 2,152 redundant positions across maritime organizations cut human resource costs by billions of rupees.
Key Performance Indicators (2025)
| Indicator | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Total sector profit | Rs 100 billion ($360 million) |
| Cargo handled at Karachi Port | 54 million tons |
| Reduction in vessel dwell time | 24–36 hours |
| Monthly savings from reduced overtime (KPT) | Rs 70 million |
| Redundant positions eliminated | 2,152 |
| Encroached land recovered | 158 acres |
| Estimated value of recovered land | Rs 110 billion |
Land Recovery and Infrastructure Expansion
The minister said land recovery remained a major focus area. The Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim Authority reclaimed 150 acres of encroached land valued at about Rs 110 billion, while Port Qasim recovered an additional eight acres.
Pakistan’s first bunkering facilities at Karachi Port and Port Qasim are expected to reduce foreign exchange outflows and attract transhipment traffic once operational. Chaudhry also highlighted the launch of the country’s first passenger and cargo ferry service, aimed at improving coastal connectivity and providing a lower-cost option for goods transport.
At Gwadar Port, 72 acres of free-zone land were handed over to operators, while bids were opened for a 100-acre off-dock terminal intended to attract transit trade from Central Asia and other regions.
Digitization and Sectoral Reforms
Digitization remained central to the reform agenda. The ministry implemented a 100 percent e-office system, integrated the Pakistan Single Window with the Port Community System, and introduced an electronic public asset disposal mechanism to improve transparency and efficiency.
The minister said reforms also extended to maritime education and social development. Steps were taken to grant degree-awarding status to the Pakistan Marine Academy, a new advisory body was established to regulate deep-sea fishing licenses, and an endowment fund was created to support children from coastal communities.
He said the reforms are already improving the ease of doing business through tax incentives, public-private partnerships and better trade connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He concluded that sustained implementation would be essential to maintain momentum, adding that the gains achieved in 2025 provide a foundation for leveraging Pakistan’s coastline and strategic location into long-term blue economy growth.
