Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to chalk out a comprehensive plan to encourage private sector's investment in Pakistan's shipping sector. He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting focused on initiating reforms in Pakistan's shipping sector and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister further directed measures to transform the National Shipping Corporation along corporate lines. He highlighted the significance of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway line project, describing it as the beginning of a new era of trade in the region. The project is expected to facilitate the shipment of trade goods from Central Asia to the rest of the world through Pakistani ports.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the crucial role of improving the railway and shipping sectors in enhancing transit trade. He pointed out that this development presents a rare opportunity for Pakistan to earn valuable foreign exchange by transporting goods for Pakistani shipping lines.

To further bolster the sector, the Prime Minister instructed that steps be taken to increase the number of ships in the fleet, thereby saving foreign exchange currently spent on freight. He also called upon the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to reform the sector and present a sustainable business model.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, as well as other relevant senior officials.