KARACHI: As tensions rise in the Middle East, Pakistan has taken on two important roles: first, as a peacemaker between the United States and Iran, and second, as an emergency route for the world’s shipping industry.
With the conflict in the region disrupting global trade, Pakistan has started urgent work to handle international transshipment — the movement of shipping containers from one ship to another on their way to final destinations.
The situation in the Middle East has become very serious. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that many cargo ships pass through, is now almost closed because of the fighting. This has caused major problems for container shipping.
According to experts, nearly 10 percent of the world’s container ship fleet has been affected. Big shipping companies have stopped their services, sent their ships on much longer routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, and stopped taking new bookings. This has created huge traffic jams and delays in global supply chains.
To tackle this problem, Pakistani customs officials held an important meeting. The meeting was led by Chief Collector Appraisement South, Wajid Ali. Also present were Collector Appraisement West, Mona Mehfozz, Collector East, Moinuddin Wani, Collector Port Qasim, Saeed Wattoo and Collector SAPT, Nayyar Shafique.
After the meeting, officials decided that all terminal operators who have international transshipment containers must start moving them to off-dock terminals starting Friday.
Work has already begun. International transshipment containers at three major terminals — KGTL, KICT, and QICT — are being emptied and moved to off-dock terminals. Off-dock terminals are storage yards located away from the main port, which helps reduce congestion.
However, there is a problem at SAPT (South Asia Pakistan Terminal). This terminal is currently very overloaded, and there is no off-dock facility available for it. Officials say a new policy will be created to solve this issue for SAPT.
Collector Customs Gwadar, Mushtaq Shahani, has been given the special task of facilitating international transshipment through Gwadar port. Customs officials are also holding continuous meetings with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Officials confirm that all these steps are being taken on the direct instructions of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military chief. The government believes that Pakistan has a unique opportunity to become a major hub for world transshipment cargo.
This plan will bring several benefits including Pakistan will earn wharfage — fees charged for using port docks. The country will become a key link in global trade, helping cargo move faster even during times of conflict.
The entire world will benefit from Pakistan’s role in keeping shipping lanes open and trade flowing.
In simple terms, Pakistan is stepping up at a time of global crisis — both as a mediator between two rival nations and as a practical solution for moving goods across the world.