Islamabad: A meeting of an 11-member high-level committee was held in Islamabad today to assess emerging logistical challenges facing Pakistan's trade, particularly in the energy sector, amid evolving geopolitical tensions in the region. Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired the committee, which was constituted on the directives of the Prime Minister.

According to Radio Pakistan, the committee is mandated to formulate a comprehensive response strategy aimed at safeguarding Pakistan's maritime trade interests and has been tasked with submitting its recommendations within two days. The meeting reviewed potential risks and opportunities for the country's maritime sector in light of shifting global trade routes and disruptions in key international waterways.

The committee deliberated on possible opportunities arising from the reported closure of major international shipping corridors and discussed measures to strengthen Pakistan's position as a viable alternative transit and transshipment destination. It also reviewed proposals for amendments to relevant rules and regulations, if required, aimed at facilitating international transshipment operations through on-dock and off-dock terminals to enhance efficiency and ease of doing business.

Special focus was placed on fully leveraging the potential of Gwadar Port as a regional transshipment hub and positioning it as an alternative in times of regional instability. Speaking at the meeting, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry expressed that Pakistan can transform its ports into key transshipment and logistics hubs, thereby strengthening the country's position in global maritime trade while ensuring long-term economic sustainability.