Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee constituted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs under the directive of the Prime Minister held a series of meetings to address key issues affecting trade. Participants included representatives from public and private sector entities involved in the regulation and facilitation of the maritime logistics supply chain. Discussions focused on concerns raised by the trade community regarding excessive and non-transparent charges levied by shipping lines, the discharge of cargo at alternate ports, and other ancillary operational matters. READ MORE: Shipping lines charge war risk and conflict surcharges To ensure transparency and consistency in the application of war risk surcharges on shipments originating from or terminating in Pakistan, it was agreed that shipping lines will refrain from any undue or opportunistic pricing. Exporters will be informed of all applicable charges prior to booking. Shipping lines clarified that war risk surcharges are applied only on routes passing through the Gulf/Middle East and Red Sea regions, and they regularly issue advisories—currently being compiled for wider dissemination—to inform stakeholders. Shipping lines were also directed to avoid discharging cargo at alternate ports except in cases of imminent threat or other exigency. It was further agreed that imposing a war risk surcharge on consignments already in transit prior to March 3, 2026 is unfair, and shipping lines shall not apply such charges to those consignments. Additionally, it was emphasized that withholding Bills of Lading (B/Ls) due to third party disputes causes financial losses, delays, and operational disruptions for exporters, and such practices should be discouraged. Circulars have already been issued to promote transparency, advising traders to report any instances of unjustified charges or withholding of B/Ls. Traders are encouraged to submit representations to the Collector HQs (Exports & IOCO) for redressal of non-compliance with the above decisions. The Chair/Member (Customs Operations), FBR underscored the need for all stakeholders—including government agencies, shipping lines, trade bodies, and related service providers—to work collectively to ensure transparency, fairness, and facilitation of legitimate trade. He stressed that opportunistic pricing and non-transparent, arbitrary practices must be avoided. The Chair appreciated the role of various stakeholders in the logistics supply chain and urged all participants to play a more responsible role, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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