Pakistan Freight & Logistics Weekly Update: 23rd February, 2026
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar!
This week’s supply chain brief brings you verified developments from 19–23 February 2026 that matter most to importers, exporters, freight planners, and logistics operators — including regulatory shifts, macro signals, and operational directives.
Key Updates for Week 8
Key New Developments in Trade Policy & Macro-Economic Movements
1. Shipping Agents & Forwarders Ordered to Refund Illegal Charges
Pakistan Customs has directed shipping agents and freight forwarders to refund all illegally recovered detention charges, ancillary fees, and container security deposits to traders within seven days — or face enforcement action, including license show-cause notices and suspension.
This follows trader complaints regarding excessive container detention and ancillary charges imposed without transparent tariff structures or legal basis.
Compliance will be monitored under Customs Rules 2001.
Why this matters:
• Reclaiming unlawful charges can directly improve landed cost forecasting
• Reinforces regulatory oversight for freight forwarders
• Encourages greater pricing transparency in logistics services
2. Afghan Transit Cargo Movement Approved by FBR
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has authorised the transfer of long-stuck Afghan transit cargo from border points such as Chaman and Quetta to Karachi ports and Port Qasim for re-export.
This follows months of suspension caused by border disruptions that halted Afghan Transit Trade routes.
Why this matters:
• Moves stranded cargo back into active freight circulation
• Reduces demurrage and storage costs for transporters
• Logistics operators should anticipate increased port handling activity under strict compliance monitoring
3. Chinese Group Plans $1.34 Billion Industrial Complex at Port Qasim
A Chinese company, Shandong Xinxu Group, is planning a $1.34 billion investment to establish an integrated maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim.
The proposed project includes:
• Shipbuilding facilities
• Ship recycling yards
• Expanded maritime industrial infrastructure
Why this matters for supply chains:
• Strengthens Pakistan’s port-side industrial capacity
• Boosts maritime services and vessel handling capabilities
• Potential increase in project cargo, heavy equipment imports, and bulk logistics activity
• Long-term improvement in value-added port operations
For freight forwarders, carriers, and industrial importers, this signals growing strategic importance of Port Qasim as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
4. PMEX Hosts First Rice & Wheat Futures Roadshow
The Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) hosted its inaugural roadshow on Physical Deliverable Futures for rice and wheat, bringing together 150+ exporters, traders, and market participants to promote structured risk management tools in agricultural trading.
Supply chain insights:
• Futures markets help hedge commodity price risk
• Structured price discovery improves export planning
• Logistics planners can align shipment timing with futures pricing trends
5. Import Composition Shifts (7MFY26)
Trade data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows a shift in import composition during the first seven months of FY26:
• Petroleum imports declined 4% YoY to $9.0 billion
• Transport group imports surged ~94% YoY to $2.3 billion
• Metals and industrial imports also increased significantly
Implications:
• Rising machinery and transport imports increase container and project cargo demand
• Industrial growth signals future outbound export capacity
• Freight operators should anticipate volume adjustments in heavy and industrial categories
What This Means For Importers And Exporters
This week’s signals point toward:
• Strengthened regulatory oversight and cost transparency
• Reactivation of transit trade flows
• Long-term port-side industrial investment
• Growing industrial and transport import demand
• Increased sophistication in agricultural trade risk management
However, operational challenges such as congestion, coordination gaps, and booking pressure remain factors that require proactive freight planning and visibility.
How Maalbardaar Helps You Stay Prepared
In a market where policy shifts, reserves fluctuate, and regional trade ties evolve weekly, visibility becomes a competitive advantage.
Maalbardaar provides:
✔ Real-time shipment tracking
✔ Instant freight rate visibility
✔ Delay and customs alerts
✔ Digital document management
✔ Route and port comparison tools
When the macro environment shifts, control and information protect margins.
Log in and manage your 2026 supply chain with clarity.
Log in today and take charge of your 2026 supply chain.
Don’t let delays or rising costs define your year — stay informed, stay proactive, and stay ahead with Maalbardaar.
