The Pakistan Ships Agents Association has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to introduce urgent amendments to transshipment regulations, arguing that Pakistan could significantly benefit from disruptions in global maritime trade caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In a formal letter addressed to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Association Chairman Mohammed A. Rajpar stated that regional instability has forced international shipping companies to reroute cargo and seek safer alternative ports. He emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic geographic location places it in a strong position to attract diverted transshipment cargo if regulatory barriers are removed promptly.
According to the association, shifting global shipping patterns present a rare economic opportunity that could generate billions of dollars in foreign exchange earnings. However, existing customs regulations currently prevent transshipment cargo from being stored at off-dock terminals, limiting the country’s ability to handle increased cargo volumes.
Officials warned that port terminals alone do not have sufficient storage capacity to accommodate additional international cargo traffic. Without immediate regulatory adjustments, Pakistan risks losing potential business to competing regional ports that offer more flexible handling and storage arrangements.
The association has therefore urged the government to amend the relevant Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to allow temporary storage of international transshipment cargo at off-dock facilities. Such a move, they argue, would enable Pakistani ports to quickly absorb diverted cargo flows resulting from regional shipping disruptions.
Industry representatives believe timely policy intervention could strengthen Pakistan’s logistics sector, enhance port competitiveness, and support economic activity linked to maritime trade. They stressed that rapid decision-making is essential as global shipping operators are already redirecting cargo routes in response to evolving security concerns in key maritime corridors.
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