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The world appears to be rediscovering Pakistan as it plays a mediating role in easing regional tensions and helping avert global recession. Disruptions to key sea routes and rising risks at established regional shipping hubs have begun to divert attention and some traffic towards the country’s underutilised ports. Fiscal incentives announced in March have further supported a modest uptick in activity at local ports.
According to port operators and private sector sources tracking recent trends, tariff cuts of up to 60 per cent and the introduction of volume-linked rebates have incentivised shipping lines, boosting throughput at Pakistani ports by stimulating trade flows and improving the maritime sector.
While hard data is not yet available, anecdotal evidence points to a noticeable increase in vessel calls, with a rising number of ships at anchorage and growing demand for ancillary services such as bunkering.
The government announced a comprehensive package of fiscal incentives, effective March 18, 2026, to enhance the regional competitiveness of its ports. Measures include tariff and cargo discounts, notably up to a 60pc reduction in port tariffs for vessels carrying at least 50pc transhipment cargo, and a 50pc discount on wet cargo charges for large container ships at Karachi and Port Qasim.
