Alpine Marine Services Pvt Ltd

Pakistan Trade Bulletin

Environment • Ports • Trade • Energy • Logistics • Policy

Day of Seafarer 2026 – Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks

In the past few days, roughly around hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers have been evacuated from the Strait of Hormuz, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). However, the initially shared numbers of evacuated vessels and seafarers are not concluding and needed to be verified for all the transits that have occurred. The IMO and Oman announced an evacuation plan to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers who were stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and due to increased tensions and concerns about maritime security. A cargo ship was smacked by an unknown projectile near Oman, resulting in damage to the vessel's bridge. No causality, injuries, or environmental harm were reported. To ensure a coordinated and collaborated approach and maintain navigational safety and security, the IMO has suspended the evacuation plan until more information is available. Considering the seafarer’s safety as a chief priority, together with Oman, International Maritime Organization making efforts to evacuate stranded vessels and ships after operations being temporarily halted due to an attack on a vessel.

The International Day for Countering Hate Speech – Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence

On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the international community restates the commitment to fostering respect, tolerance, and understanding among individuals of all faiths, cultures, civilizations, traditions and experiences. Hate-driven narratives, prejudice, and provocation not only interrupt communal synchronization but also impend harmony, human dignity, and coexistence. In current unified world, envy and grudge effortlessly surpasses limitations, affecting firmness and progress universally. Although digital platforms have improved liberty of expression, but also mandate accountable communication grounded in fact, admiration, and liability. Negligent speech and inequitable content excavate divisions, erode trust, and may cause violence. Pakistan’s diverse culture and civilization, enriched by numerous religious beliefs, sects, and languages, lures strength from unity and mutual respect. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees impartiality, religious and spiritual freedom, and self-esteem for all citizens. It is crucial to promote interfaith harmony, productive discussions, and national cohesion. Hate speech influences everyday life, whether in educational institutes, workplaces both offices and factories, or online spaces, fading trust and communal ties..

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - World Drug Problem

The international drug problem considered as a persistent challenge combined with evolving threats, demanding governments, institutions, and societies to remain vigilant and adaptive till today. The international drug day offers an opportunity to reflect on issues influencing communities internationally, including Pakistan, while identifying the nature of drug risks is rapidly evolving. Recently, extremely hazardous artificial and illegal elements have appeared together with old-style narcotics. Criminal networks progressively exploit digital platforms, advanced communication tools, and innovative financial methods, such as cryptocurrencies, to develop operations and dodge detection. Equally alarming is the mounting use of social media platforms and digital or mobile applications to regularize and encourage drug use, often depicting it as fashionable or trendy and harmless to influence youth. Drug abuse has irreconcilable consequences for education, employment, and family stability. Its impact ranges beyond users, emotional and financial burdens on families but weakens the social matrix of communities and society.

Desertification and Drought Day - Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore

In the current year 2026, Desertification and Drought Day emphasized the importance of rangelands and placed rangelands at the forefront of the international attention under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” About half of the Earth’s land surface occupied by the rangelands ecosystem and constitute the chief land cover category in Pakistan, accounting for about 57% of the country’s total area. Despite their massive extent, rangelands continue among the most underestimated, unnoticed and overlooked ecosystems. Rangeland ecosystem has a central role in maintaining and preserving food security, regulating water cycles, biodiversity conservation, and firming up climate resilience. Rangelands also support the livelihoods of estimated two billion people globally, including pastoralists and Indigenous communities. These groups have preserved and managed these landscapes for generations through traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, making them important stakeholders in energies and exertions to protect and restore rangelands globally. Rangelands has ecological, environmental and economical contributions that are vital at both local and global levels. .

Karachi Port Sets Record in FY 2025-26

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has accomplished a noteworthy revolutionary new record by handling over 2.651 million TEUs during the current fiscal year, surpassing the former histories in advance of schedule. The success echoes improved and updated operational efficiency with competence, workforce commitment and dedication, with the government’s continuous investment in maritime infrastructure. The Karachi Port Trust also recorded 2,003 vessel calls, exceeding the 2,000 vessel calls for the first time since FY 2017–18, with a combined gross registered tonnage of 84.43 million tons. This characterizes a 7.5% upsurge in vessel traffic and a 3.0% growth in GRT, highlighting continued evolution in maritime trade. As Pakistan’s primary trade gateway, Karachi Port Trust leads a critical position in facilitating imports and exports. Constant reforms, continuous improvement, infrastructure upgrades, and better-quality service delivery have strengthened the capacity and competitiveness of service. All developments position Pakistan to appear as a leading regional logistics and transshipment hub, backing mounting trade connectivity. .

KPT Tariff Hike, Trade Sector Gets Rs 500 million Relief

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs has declared the suspension of a proposed 5% tariff increase at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for FY 2026–27, objected to offering liberation to the business community and supporting economic activity. The decision is expected to deliver savings exceeding Rs. 500 million to importers, exporters, and consumers by reducing trade-related costs. The initiative lines up with the government’s wider objective of facilitating trade, promoting exports, and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Recognizing ports as a critical component of trade infrastructure, the Minister emphasized that controlling port charges directly contributes to lowering the cost of doing business. The change is the step towards Prime Minister’s vision of strengthening the blue economy and fostering a business-friendly environment. By sustaining competitive logistics costs, the tariff freeze is expected to improve export attractiveness, ease operational burdens, and support increased trade volumes through Pakistan’s ports. .

NTC & PSW Ink Digitalization Agreement

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision to convert NTC into an advance, digital, and responsive institution, an agreement signing ceremony was held between the National Tariff Commission (NTC) and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), an agreement was signed by the Chairman NTC and CEO PSW in the presence of senior government officials, including the Federal Minister for Commerce. The agreement emphasized the automation and digitization of NTC processes. The initiative purposes to improve data sharing, streamline tariff and trade policy analysis, and to reduce processing times for trade remedies such as anti-dumping and safeguard measures. Digitalization is expected to led strengthening, transparency, accuracy, and institutional efficiency while aligning Pakistan’s trade frameworks with international standards. Both organizations focused the collaboration and will improve coordination, support decision-making through real-time data integration, and promote a foreseeable, growth-oriented trade environment, eventually enhancing the competitiveness and competence of Pakistan’s domestic industries. .

Ocean Sustainability and Marine Pollution Control

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs and Sindh Governor held a meeting to reinforce association on addressing marine pollution and safeguarding coastal ecosystems. Both sides emphasized the need for improved synchronization between federal and provincial authorities to elevate and promote environmental sustainability and effective maritime governance. To review ongoing initiatives and institutional responses to marine litter and coastal degradation, a session of the Marine Pollution Control Board in Karachi is being announced by the Minister. Discussions emphasized crucial priorities including waste management, marine resources conservation, and sustainable economic practices. Underscoring the international scale of marine pollution, the Minister referenced international studies representing significant levels of plastic waste entering oceans annually. He reiterated the importance of integrated strategies, including improved recycling systems and circular economy approaches, to mitigate environmental risks while supporting economic opportunities and long-term coastal resilience. .

Saudi Aramco Resumes Ras Tanura Loadings, Signaling Market Stabilization

Following for about four months suspension, moving back to a gradual normalization of export operations, crude oil loadings at Ras Tanura terminal has been resumed by the Saudi Aramco. According to provided shipping data, the resumption comes within renewed efforts by major producers to stabilize supply chains and restore market confidence. Despite recent security concerns, including an incident involving a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the restart of shipments coincides with heightened maritime activity in the region while Industry stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about improved conditions. Regional oil producers had already been growing production and export volumes ahead of a provisional agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions and reopening critical maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy trade, handles a significant share of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas flows. The development is a broader expectation of improved regional stability, supporting continuity in worldwide energy supply and maritime trade operations. .

Investigation Launched into Suspected Diversion of Bonded Fuel

Legal proceedings against a petroleum importer and a bonded fuel terminal operator over alleged misappropriation of more than 32,000 metric tons of tax-unpaid fuel by Pakistani authorities have originated. Citing suspected diversion of bonded petroleum products into the informal market through a cross-country pipeline. The first information report (FIR) has been registered by the Federal Investigation Agency. Preliminary results specify a substantial discrepancy between recorded stock in documents and physically existing stock, during inspections of investigators identifying substantial shortages. Further concerns related to the alleged sale of bonded fuel without completion of statutory obligations with mandatory customs documentation and regulatory compliance. The case involves multiple individuals and entities facing charges under relevant customs, penal, and anti-corruption laws. Authorities are also reviewing potential regulatory lapses. In response, the company has continued that it remains compliant with statutory obligations and is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations, reflecting commitment to transparency, governance, and uninterrupted fuel supply. .

Pakistan and Iran Agree to Strengthen Road and Rail Links

In a bilateral meeting, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications had a discussion with the visiting Iranian Minister for Transport for the development of advanced regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and bilateral collaboration. The delegation from Pakistan included the Ministers for Railways, Commerce, and Maritime Affairs. During the meeting, Pakistan indorsed the commitment to regional peace and acknowledged Iran’s resilience, while underscoring the importance of establishing and strengthening road and rail linkages to reveal bilateral trade potential. Representatives from both countries reviewed important proposals and decided to operationalize the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee to boost coordination. Pakistan assured the Iranian visiting delegation about bottlenecks related to transport would be addressed on a priority basis. Pakistan’s being constructive and helpful in promoting regional stability and emphasized operational challenges in cross-border cargo clearance has been appreciated by the Iranian Minister Senior officials from both countries agreed to implement coordinated measures to expedite border operations, strengthen logistics efficiency, and support sustained growth in bilateral trade and connectivity.