A subcommittee formed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs under the Prime Minister’s directive has taken decisive steps to address persistent issues in Pakistan’s trade and maritime logistics sector. The panel held multiple meetings with representatives from both public and private sectors to tackle complaints from exporters over excessive and non-transparent charges by shipping lines, alternate port discharges, and operational hurdles.

To improve transparency, the subcommittee agreed that shipping lines must inform exporters of all applicable charges before booking and avoid opportunistic pricing on war risk surcharges. These surcharges will now only apply to routes through the Gulf, Middle East, and Red Sea regions.

The committee also directed that cargo should not be discharged at alternate ports except in cases of imminent threat or emergency. Consignments already in transit before March 3, 2026, will be exempt from war risk surcharges.

Officials highlighted concerns over the withholding of Bills of Lading due to third-party disputes, warning that the practice causes financial losses, delays, and disruption for exporters. Traders are urged to report any unjustified charges or document withholding to the authorities.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) emphasized the need for all stakeholders—government agencies, shipping lines, and trade bodies—to work collaboratively to ensure transparency, fairness, and smooth trade facilitation, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.