ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is formulating a transshipment policy aimed at enhancing its role in regional and international trade, state media reported on Friday, as the country seeks to gain financial strength by embedding itself more firmly within the global economic system.
International transshipment nodes enable the transfer of cargo from one vessel to another, facilitating regional and international trade by efficiently directing its flow. The process can be lucrative for Pakistan, whose maritime minister announced the government’s decision to draft the policy during parliamentary proceedings.
Last year in June, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a 50-year concession agreement with Karachi Port Trust to operate a container terminal, committing to invest $220 million over the first decade.
Subsequently, APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, expressed interest in developing Pakistan’s first green transshipment terminal in Karachi earlier this year in May, reflecting growing international confidence in Pakistan’s maritime potential.
“Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmad Shaikh told the House during the Question Hour that this policy will provide clear guidelines and incentives for transshipment activities,” according to Radio Pakistan.
“He said it will also streamline transshipment operations at Pakistani ports, resulting in economic growth and job opportunities,” the report added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also actively promoted Pakistan’s ports to Central Asian nations, positioning them as conduits to global markets.
During his visit to Tajikistan in July, he emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and integration, highlighting the strategic importance of Pakistan’s ports for the region’s landlocked economies.
The maritime minister said a comprehensive transshipment policy was expected to further solidify Pakistan’s position as a pivotal trade and transit hub in South Asia.
Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade
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Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade
- International companies have shown interest in Pakistan’s maritime and transshipment potential
- Abu Dhabi Ports has signed a deal to operate a Karachi container terminal, will invest $220 million
Pakistan military says 12 militants killed after coordinated attacks in Balochistan
- ISPR says militants targeted a police station and two banks, taking away $12,000
- Balochistan CM says one civilian was injured, warns militants of tougher response
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said on Friday security forces killed 12 militants during a clearance operation in the southwestern Balochistan district of Kharan after coordinated attacks on a police station and two banks a day earlier.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said 15 to 20 militants carried out multiple attacks in Kharan city on Thursday, targeting the City Police Station as well as branches of the National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited, looting Rs3.4 million ($12,000).
“Security Forces effectively responded and engaged the terrorists, prompting them to retreat,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. “During the ensuing clearance operation, twelve terrorists were sent to hell in three different engagements.”
The ISPR said the militants had attempted to create a hostage situation at the police station, which was thwarted, adding that “sanitization operations” were continuing in surrounding areas.
Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti said the attackers entered the area for a brief period of five to ten minutes and fled after the attacks, adding that one civilian, identified as Abdul Hakeem, was shot in the neck and evacuated to a military hospital for treatment.
“They came for five to ten minutes, tried to break into banks and ATMs and took around Rs3.4 million from the National Bank,” Bugti told a news conference, warning that future attacks would be met with force.
The military described the militants as members of “Fitna Al Hindustan,” a term Pakistan uses for Baloch separatist groups it accuses of operating with Indian backing, an allegation New Delhi denies.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has long been plagued by separatist violence, with attacks frequently targeting security forces, infrastructure and civilians.
