Alpine Marine Services Pvt Ltd

Pakistan Trade Bulletin

Sustainability • Ports • Trade • Energy • Logistics • Policy

Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day: A Journey of Freedom, Unity and Hope

Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day on 14 August 2026, commemorating the historic achievement of independence in 1947. At Alpine Marine Services, the day was marked with special prayers and celebrations. The occasion reminded the nation of the sacrifices made by the leaders and people of the Pakistan Movement. Independence Day is more than a national celebration. It is a reminder of the vision behind the creation of Pakistan and the struggle led by founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of the freedom movement. The 79th Independence Day provided an opportunity to reflect on Pakistan’s achievements and challenges. From the beginning, the country has faced political, socioeconomical difficulties throughout its history, yet its people have repeatedly demonstrated resilience. National unity, education, economic development, justice and responsible citizenship remain essential for building a stronger Pakistan. The true meaning of independence, however, goes beyond celebrations. It requires citizens to contribute positively to society, respect the rights of others, and work honestly for the country's progress. Young people have an important role to play because the future of Pakistan depends on their education, character, skills and commitment to national development. The 79th Independence Day stands as a celebration of freedom as well as a call to responsibility. Pakistan’s journey continues, and its future will be shaped by the collective efforts of its citizens. With unity, faith, discipline and sincere commitment, the nation can move towards the ideals on which Pakistan was founded.

Amid Red Sea Attack, Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Security

In international waterways in accordance with international law, Pakistan has firm commitment to safeguard the freedom of navigation and maritime security. Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson of Pakistan condemned the recent attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. According to preliminary information available to the Pakistani government, three Pakistani nationals were killed, and another was injured in the incident. Pakistani authorities have initiated consultations to gather further details and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also confirmed that Pakistan is among the countries supporting the maritime alliance announced by Saudi Arabia and expressed Islamabad’s readiness to assist partners in implementing its commitments. The development highlights continuous risks to international shipping, global supply chains and the safety of seafarers specifically Pakistani seafarers in strategically important maritime corridors.

Pakistan Introduces Unified Incentives to Boost Transshipment

To attract greater regional transshipment traffic and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub, Pakistan has initiated a unified incentive package at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. The package offers discounts on wharfage, storage, vessel-related charges, and terminal handling fees for transshipment cargo. The incentive is being jointly launched by the Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, and container terminal operators. Concessions vary according to cargo volumes, with some charges reduced by up to 80 percent, while terminal handling charges may fall by up to 25 percent. According to the Maritime Affairs Minister, the current framework substitutes previous concession schemes with a transparent, performance-based regime applicable at both ports. The initiative objects to reduce shipping costs, attract additional mainline services, improve vessel turnaround times, and increase regional cargo flows. Karachi Port handled a record 23,962 TEUs of transshipment cargo last year, highlighting growing potential in Pakistan’s maritime sector.

Pakistan Plans Refurbishment and Re-Export Hub at Port Qasim

At Port Qasim, Pakistan has planned to develop a 150-acre Auto Import-Refurbishment-Export (AIRE). The development is aimed at Port Qasim to upgrade into a regional hub for used-vehicle refurbishment and re-export. Inspired partly by Dubai’s Jebel Ali model, the project forms part of wider plans to expand Port Qasim’s industrial, logistics and maritime capabilities. According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, at the initial stage of the development of the facilities include 264 operational units, comprising refurbishment workshops, commercial units, vehicle display areas, machinery yards and spare-parts facilities. Vehicles imported under the scheme will be repaired to international standards and re-exported without entering Pakistan’s domestic market. The project is expected to minimize inland logistics costs through direct access to Port Qasim and led to generate an estimated $200 million annual net foreign exchange surplus, based on projected exports of around $500 million.

A New Coastal Cruise Service at Karachi

During the inauguration of a new coastal cruise service, Maritime Affairs Ministers said Government of Pakistan to transform Karachi into a modern maritime hub by expanding scope of activities, modern infrastructure, logistics and ocean-based economic activities, including tourism, to support blue economy while countering challenges. The Pakistan’s coastline, beaches, islands, fishing communities and maritime heritage, have numerous challenges, and according to the minister, challenges include limited tourism infrastructure, connectivity gaps, inadequate cruise facilities, and environmental pressures. The government of Pakistan is progressing to develop Karachi Port as a major transshipment hub, in the region alongside plans for shipbuilding, ship repair, ship recycling and maritime industrial facilities. The expanding cruise tourism and other maritime activities could attract investment, create jobs and diversify blue economy of Pakistan, while stressing the need for improved safety, connectivity and environmental protection.

ECC Approves Increase in Petroleum Dealers’ Margins

The margin on Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has been raised from Rs8.66 to approximately Rs10 per liter by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. The approved margin of Rs1.34 per liter increases in petroleum dealers’ margins. The Petroleum Division said the increase was calculated using the annual National CPI for 2023-24 and 2024-25, subject to a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 10%. Dealers had previously objected to linking their margins with digitalization targets and sought a revision in their fixed margins. The ECC also considered a proposed Rs1.22 per liter increase in the margins of oil marketing companies, subject to digitalization targets set by OGRA. The decision, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, follows the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers’ Association’s (PPDA) threat to strike over margins and their linkage with digitalization requirements. Following the ECC approval, the PPDA called off its planned strike.

Pakistan’s North American Exports Rise Marginally in FY26

According to State Bank of Pakistan data, Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America increased 1.32% to $6.503 billion in FY26, compared with $6.418bn in FY25, while imports from the region rose 6.52% to $3.822bn. The United States remained Pakistan’s dominant export market, accounting for nearly 94% of exports to North America. However, exports to the US grew only 1.55% to $6.125bn, while imports surged 38.93% to $3.265bn, reflecting the trade-balancing commitments under the new agreement with Washington. Exports to Canada declined 2.30% to $377.5 million. The developments come amid changing US trade policies, including additional tariffs and limited relief for Pakistan under a reciprocal arrangement. Beyond North America, exports to Latin America fell 8.32% to $67m, while Central American exports declined 2.11% to $165.9m. In contrast, exports to South America increased by 15% to $402.4m.

Russia, Pakistan Move Closer to Launching First Bilateral Freight Rail Service

Russia and Pakistan are moving closer to launching their first bilateral freight rail service, with the proposed route linking Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi in both directions. Russian officials said in August 2026 that discussions are underway to finalize the agreement, identify participating companies and determine the operational framework for the service. The initiative is aimed at strengthening trade and improving overland connectivity between the two countries. Belarus may also join the proposed rail service, expanding its potential regional reach. The project is being developed in connection with the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Authorities are still working on key details, including cargo categories, tariffs, delivery times, transit arrangements, and test shipments. The proposed service could provide Pakistan with a new land-based trade link to Russia and wider Eurasian markets, while supporting greater regional economic integration.