Maritime Task Force: The maritime sector involves many aspects, various ministries, provincial governments, and, of course, the private sector. All working in their own domains (in Silos), thus efficiencies were not optimal. Realising the need for joint working and collaboration to optimally benefit from this great sector, the Government formed a Maritime Task Force (MTF) in Aug 2024 to revitalise the maritime sector of Pakistan. MTF was constituted of members from all related ministries, entities, private sector, and experts from fields of shipping, ship building, ship recycling, and fisheries/aquaculture, etc. MTF was given 3 months to study and put up recommendations.

MTF approach was Pakistan First, Whole of Pakistan approach: Government plus private sector; within the Govt entities, whole of Govt approach; thus all stakeholders to be consulted and be on board. Focus was to develop in-country capacities, minimise loss of FE, and move towards earning FE from this global sector.

Bunkering operations for the visiting ships and also for ships passing close to our coast have great potential.

Bunkering operations for the visiting ships and also for ships passing close to our coast have great potential.

MTF carried out field visits and interacted with practitioners in various maritime domains, Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Importers & Exporters, Clearing Agents Associations, Freight Forwarders Association, Shipping Agents Association, PSBA (Ship Breaking & Recycling Association), Fisheries & Aquaculture forums and experts, and others.

Progress review presentations were given to the Prime Minister, with the final presentation on 12 Dec 2024. In the........

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