In a historic move to strengthen maritime trade, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) unveiled Pakistan’s first-ever containerized flagship shipping service connecting Karachi to key Gulf destinations, marking a milestone in the nation’s logistics sector. The initiative, launched at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), positions Pakistan as a competitive player in regional shipping and aligns with government efforts to expand trade ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The ceremony, attended by senior NLC officials, shipping line representatives, and prominent business leaders, highlighted the service’s operational framework. Initially deploying two vessels, the NLC plans phased expansions to meet growing trade demands. The ships will follow a 10-day round-trip schedule, ensuring seamless cargo movement between Karachi, Jebel Ali (Dubai), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia).
A groundbreaking feature of the service is its slot payment system in Pakistani rupees, eliminating foreign exchange hurdles for local exporters and importers. “This initiative is a game-changer for Pakistan’s trade ecosystem,” stated an NLC official. “It empowers businesses to access Gulf markets efficiently while reducing logistical costs.”
The launch aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy to deepen economic collaboration with Gulf nations, offering Pakistani enterprises a direct route to tap into the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s thriving markets. Analysts predict the service will enhance Pakistan’s export competitiveness, particularly for textiles, agriculture, and manufactured goods.
With plans to scale operations, the NLC aims to transform Karachi into a regional logistics hub, fostering job creation and economic resilience. As the first Pakistani-owned shipping line to operate this route, the NLC’s venture signals a new era of self-reliance in the country’s maritime trade, reducing dependency on foreign carriers and strengthening national economic sovereignty.
