ISLAMABAD, Jun 20 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive business plan for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) within two weeks, aimed at reducing the country’s annual $4 billion expenditure on maritime trade.
Presiding over a high-level meeting on PNSC affairs, the prime minister emphasized the urgent need to lease additional ships and expand the national fleet.
“Due to the limited number of vessels in PNSC’s fleet, Pakistan is forced to spend around $4 billion annually on maritime logistics,” he noted.
Officials briefed the prime minister that the current PNSC fleet comprises 10 ships with a combined cargo capacity of 724,643 tons.
The premier called for a targeted strategy within the proposed plan to increase efficiency and cut reliance on foreign shipping services.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and senior PNSC officials.
