PM directs expansion of PNSC fleet

PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the relevant authorities to prepare a business plan for Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and present it within two weeks, which should include a strategy to save the annual $4 billion burden on the national exchequer.

Chairing a high-level meeting regarding matters related to the PNSC, the prime minister directed to acquire ships on lease to expand the PNSC fleet.

"Due to a reduced number of ships in the PNSC fleet, the country has to spend approximately $4 billion annually from the national exchequer on maritime trade," he said.

Lawmakers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held separate meetings with MNAs Shakir Bashir Awan, Ahmad Raza Maneka, Riaz ul Haq Jajja, and Dr Hafeez ur Rehman Dreshak, as well as Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik, here at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meetings, the parliamentarians congratulated the prime minister on presenting a "pro-people" and "economically responsible" federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. They appreciated the government's focus on addressing the country's economic challenges while prioritizing public welfare, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.