National Freight and Logistic Policy

NATIONAL FREIGHT AND
LOGISTICS POLICY
Ministry of Communications
Government of Pakistan
Final, 28 April 2020

National Freight and Logistics Policy Government of Pakistan
Table of Content
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................4
2. State of Pakistan’s Freight and Logistics Sector ...................................................................................6
3. Justification for the NFLP .........................................................................................................................9

3.1. Rationale .............................................................................................................................................9
3.2. Potential Benefits ............................................................................................................................. 11
4. Vision, Principles and Objectives ......................................................................................................... 12

4.1. Vision Statement .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.2. Objectives ......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3. Principles .......................................................................................................................................... 16
5. Policy actions .......................................................................................................................................... 18

5.1. Road Transport ................................................................................................................................ 18
5.2. Rail Transport ................................................................................................................................... 20
5.3. Maritime Transport ........................................................................................................................... 21
5.4. Air Transport ..................................................................................................................................... 23
5.5. Inland Waterways Transport ............................................................................................................ 25
5.6. Urban Transport ............................................................................................................................... 26
5.7. Rural Transport ................................................................................................................................ 29
5.8. Horizontal: Enabling Governance Structure ..................................................................................... 29
5.9. Horizontal: E-Logistics...................................................................................................................... 30
5.10. Horizontal: Transit Trade Facilitation ............................................................................................... 31
5.11. Horizontal: International Conventions, Standards and Agreements ................................................ 33
5.12. Horizontal: Information Technology ................................................................................................. 34
5.13. Horizontal: Capacity Building ........................................................................................................... 35
6. Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................................................................ 37
Annex A. Implementation Matrix ............................................................................................................... 38
Annex B. Logistics Performance Indicators ............................................................................................ 69
2
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
3PL 3rd party logistics
ADB Asian Development Bank
ADR Agreement on International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
AEO Authorized Economic Operators
APTTA Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, 2010
CAA Civil Aviation Authority
CAREC Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation
CMR Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road
CPEC China Pakistan Economic Corridor
ECO Economic Cooperation Organisation
EDI Electronic Data Interchange
e-Logistics Electronic Logistics
FBR Federal Board of Revenue
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GoP Government of Pakistan
HTV Heavy Traffic Vehicle
HS Harmonized System
HSSE Health Safety Security & Environment
IMO International Maritime Organization
ITS Intelligent Transport Systems
IRU International Road Union
IWT Inland Waterways Transport
IWTA Inland Waterways Transport Authority
IWTDC Inland Waterways Development Company
KPI Key Performance Indicator
KPT Karachi Port Trust
LPI Logistics Performance Indicator (World Bank)
MoMA Ministry of Maritime Affairs
MoC Ministry of Communications
MTO Multi Transport Operator
NAVTTC National Vocational & Technical Training Commission
NFLP National Freight and Logistics Policy
NHA National Highway Authority
NH&MP National Highways and Motorway Police
NTDO National Transport Data Observatory
NVOCCs Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers
PCLRA Pakistan Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority
PQA Port Qasim Authority
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SAPT South Asia Port Terminal
SMCP Strategic Manpower Conversion Program
SRO Statutory Regulatory Order
TIR Transports Internationaux Routier (UN Convention)
TP Trans-shipment Permit
WAPDA Water & Power Development Authority
WeBoC Web Based One Customs
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1. Introduction
In the contemporary world, nations compete intensely to attract investment, increase exports and improve the
livelihood of their citizens. While there are many underlying conditions and reasons for attaining success, one
common denominator is the presence of a modern and efficient transport and logistics infrastructure. The ability
to handle, store and transport goods to and from international markets is essential in achieving global
competitiveness. Yet the capacity to move cross-border goods can be a challenging task. Efficient transport and
logistics sector require reliable and modernized infrastructure; appropriate industrial capacity; business-friendly
institutions to maximize contribution to trade and economy. Together they can strengthen trade and facilitate
business, providing growth to the economy and people.
Pakistan’s freight and logistics sector is poised with tremendous potential, owing to its’ domestic market with
over 220m people and international strategic geographic location. The Government is improving the transport
infrastructure through the investment programmes under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridors (CPEC) and
Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) and is facilitating business by acceding to and
agreeing international trade and transport conventions. In addition, in 2018 the Government adopted the
National Transport Policy, recognizing multimodal logistics as one of the cross-cutting sectors and setting out
the strategic directions for change of the freight and logistics sector.
The Government, cognizant of the potential of the Box 1. Defining elements of Logistics
freight and logistics sector, and aware of the
When considering the competitiveness of the Freight and
international competitiveness has therefore decided Logistics Sector, the following factors need to be
to develop a National Freight and Logistics Policy considered:
(NFLP), setting out concerted and dedicated actions • Infrastructural capacity refers to the quality and
aimed at facilitating, modernizing and reforming the extensiveness of transportation infrastructure, such as
freight and logistics sector, with a view to enhance the road network, railway stations, seaport terminals, and a
competitiveness of the country, promoting local value host of logistics facilities such as distribution centres,
container freight stations and logistics parks.
chains and streamlining cross-border and global
• Institutional capacity issues refer to the governance,
supply chains. enforcements and incentives to develop the sector.
Laws, regulations and procedures are necessary, yet
The National Freight and Logistics Policy is a further over-regulating the logistics sector can add excessive
detailing of the subsector Multimodal Logistics of the cost and time in the transportation.
National Transport Policy and has been developed • Industrial capacity is defined by the market structure,
through a highly collaborative process; guided by the productivity of the labour force, application of
Steering Committee and the Working Group on technology and the deployment of assets. All these
three elements shape the transport and logistical
National Freight and Logistics, chaired by the Ministry efficiency in each country.
of Communications. It has greatly benefitted from the
inputs received from various stakeholders including federal and provincial government agencies, transport
operators, the business sector, academia and civil society.
The NFLP is structured as highlighted below:
• Chapter 1: Introduction sets out the context to which the Policy is developed.
• Chapter 2: State of Pakistan’s Logistics Sector describes the relative performance of and conditions in
Pakistan’s logistics sector. Detailed review of the current state of the logistics sector in Pakistan, the major
issues and constraints are highlighted.
• Chapter 3: Justification for the Policy draws the conclusions from Chapter 2 and substantiates the
necessity to develop the National Freight and Logistics Policy. In particular, the potential benefits are
elaborated, noting that the transport and the logistics sector is by itself a sizeable component in Pakistan’s
economy and can boost the export competitiveness and decrease prices for the locally produced goods by
bringing the transportation costs down.
• Chapter 4: Vision, Objectives and Principles provides guidance to the ‘future-state’ of the freight and
the logistics sector in Pakistan.
4
• Chapter 5: Policy Actions elaborates interventions and defines enabling conditions required for each
mode of transport. The implementation matrices, which describe the intervention along with stakeholders
and the time-line are included for ease of implementation of the policy.
• Chapter 6: Monitoring and Evaluation provides insights to ensure the sustainability of the NFLP and
proposes stakeholders’ coordination mechanism. The chapter advocates that the World Bank ‘Logistics
Performance Indicators’ (LPI) be adopted as an evaluation method to assess the progress and success of
the NFLP implementation.
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2. State of Pakistan’s Freight and

Logistics Sector
Transport and logistics are an important part of Figure 1 – Percentage Share of GDP
the economy in their own right, contributing to Transport Construction Agriculture
GDP and jobs1. The transport sector contributes
more than 13% of GDP and 5.4% of total jobs to 19.50%
Pakistan’s economy. This highlights the importance
13.30%
of the freight and logistics sector to Pakistan’s
economy.
2.70%
The logistics sector is highly fragmented and is
in dire need of modernizations. The largest road
2016-2017
freight transporters control less than 2 percent of the
total market share and almost 85% of the companies Source: Economic Survey Supplement 2016-17
involved in the logistics and road freight sector are
owner-operator companies. In general, these owner-drivers are poorly trained, lack insurance for the drivers
and their cargo, with vehicles based on obsolete technology that are not in compliance with the certification
requirements for vehicles under international agreements and are incapable of meeting the performance
demands of a modern supply chain. Most operators lack the financial capacity to modernize their trucks.
Furthermore, because the fleet is obsolete, it creates perverse incentives for perpetual overloading of trucks
that damages the road network, leading to extra expenditures for road maintenance and a poor-quality road
network. Efforts to enforce the axle load regime, resulted in resistance from either the operators or industry and
deferment. The most recent attempt in 2019 was received positively by many operators, however was criticized
by the industry due to its’ sudden implementation, absence of a transition period and the potential increase in
logistics costs.
Pakistan has a skewed modal transportation mix, with approx. 94% of freight moved by road. Road
transport is one of the most expensive mode of transport, elevates the supply chain cost for the whole economy.
The national highways and motorways carry the majority of all freight, and in particular the N5. Under CPEC
and CAREC, significant investments have been made to the national highways and motorways, with an
expanded and enhanced network across the country. Pakistan Railways has lost its competitiveness to road
transport, and the rail infrastructure is in poor condition nor is the organization adequately geared towards.
Recently, Pakistan Railways has been able to prioritize freight and therefore regain some freight. Inland
waterways are not yet utilized, despite the existence of the Indus River and attempts from Attock to Daud Khel.
Air freight is very limited, with all domestic airlines prioritizing passengers over freight. The multimodal transport
infrastructure is almost non-existent giving rise to overreliance on road transport. This modal imbalance is over-
burdening road systems, causing congestion, creating pollution and damaging roads, all contributing towards
high cost of transportation.
Karachi Port and Port Qasim are the international gateways. These two ports together export and import
over 95% of all freight of the country. Recent expansions and developments have seen significant improvements
in reduced dwell times, from 11 days to less than 6 days. However, still improvements are required due to delay
in clearance from customs. Connectivity to and from the Karachi Port is a point of concern due to the congestion
currently witnessed and the lack of a functioning rail connectivity. Gwadar Port has the potential of becoming a
transhipment port but is still very much under development.
1 The Transport, Logistics, and Communication sector includes: Road transport, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan International Airlines, Port&
Shipping, Communications, Electronic Media in Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office. The estimate of 13% is an estimate based on data in the
Pakistan Statistical Year Book.
6
Warehousing and a cold-storage supply chain Figure 2 – Pakistan Logistics Performance Indicators
are in early stages of development. Due to long (LPI) Ranking
free times allowed at the ports there was no LPI Ranking
immediate need for warehousing facilities nearby the
ports. Similarly, cold-storage supply chains are
largely absent with no such facilities at many railway
122
stations or airports. It is estimated that over 40% of 110
all perishable goods is lost due to lack of adequate 71 72
68 68
warehousing facilities.
The institutional framework governing the 2007 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
logistics sector in Pakistan is underdeveloped
and governed by a mixture of old and new laws Source: World Bank
that need to be updated and harmonised. Only Figure 3 – Pakistan LPI Score between 2007 and 2018
recently, the Government has adopted a National
Transport Policy, which is yet to be materialized 2018 2007
through implementation. A draft law titled the
Carriage of Goods by Road Act, was prepared in Timeliness
2003 but was never approved. The Trucking Policy
Tracking & Trace
of 2007 identified the need for a change in the sector
but has never been formally implemented. The Logistics Competence
various provincial and the federal laws are outdated
International Shipments
and not adequate for the contemporary logistics
industry. The absence of a unified transport ministry, Infrastructure
results in additional coordination efforts and slows
down implementation of the policies. Burdensome Customs
documentary requirements and customs procedures Total Score
result in the delays and escalate shipment costs.
Similarly, the implementation of international 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
transport conventions, in particular TIR, is yet to
become fully operationalized and utilized. The transit Source: World Bank
trade agreements with Afghanistan, an important
transit trade country, are also not fully functional.
E-commerce is at a nascent stage in Pakistan. The market is significantly growing, doubling every year. In
2019 the Ministry of Commerce has developed an e-commerce policy, addressing and facilitating the growth of
this sector. The 3rd party logistics (3PL), play a pivotal role in facilitating the services from business to consumer.
This service and the capacity to handle small consumer goods, in particular with cross-border trade, will be a
factor of significance and need to be addressed.
Pakistan is faring poorly in Logistics Performance Index, ranking 122 nd in 160 nations down from 68th
rank in 2007. This wide fluctuation and deterioration are caused by less than optimal logistics parameters in
the country. A significant deterioration is evident in the index ranking since 2007, with the largest drop witnessed
in Customs, and Tracking and Trace. It is also being outperformed by nearly all of its’ regional neighbours. To
the contrary, Pakistan has significantly improved recently on the ease of doing business index from the World
Bank, moving up 28 places, particularly due to ongoing reforms with regards to company registration.
Box 2. Types of Service Providers in the Industry (by alphabetical order)
Types Description
Cargo Insurance There are different insurance companies offering Marine and General cargo insurance
Company services; usually the private insurance companies in Pakistan act as agent to their foreign
principals. Marine insurance tends to be door-to-door insurance cover and based on the
classes there are special clauses like vessel age and transport fleet conditions, crating,
packing, fumigation etc.
Consolidators There are consolidators who offer undertook delivery of containers in private or own yards and
perform self-manifestation. They are issuing direct delivery orders and may operate in co-
loading with other consolidators and freight forwarders.
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Types Description
Customs Broker The Custom Brokers tend to have their own custom clearance licenses, which authorize them
to perform the custom clearance services. These brokers also provide the international freight
forwarding and the transportation services. As it is convenient for the importer and the exporter
that their custom broker performs the transportation to and from the port. This makes a smooth
single window operation. There are specialized custom brokers in some field such as, oil, gas,
energy and industrial projects. These brokers focus in the specific products, namely paper,
plastic, vehicles, iron scrape, consumer goods, chemicals etc.; They operate through different
Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) and Harmonized System (HS) codes.
Financial Mostly commercial banks are dealing with Letter of Credits, Sales Contract, Intercompany
Institutions Accounting of freight forwarders & carriers along with foreign remittance; State Bank of
Pakistan regulates money side of both export and import freight shipments.
Freight Forwarders There are mainly two types of the freight forwarders operating in Pakistan. One, are those
forwarders who have single network and a global presence. The others are acting under
Principal & Agent contract. Both have their own dynamics with pros and cons. Forwarders are
also acting as 3PL solution providers, Contract Managers and Ship Agents. They provide
multiple value-added services.
Non-Vessel Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) are evolving on a limited scale, however
Operating Common currently they are unable to create any dent in the market because the shipping lines prefer
Carriers (NVOCCs) own slots, moreover the current recession in imports has further minimized the scope of
NVOCC. However, at times they are very effective and convenient to customers, especially in
an end to end solution.
Project Logistics The heavy, over dimensional industrial equipment, power generation units, refineries and other
(Specialized project cargo are handled and transported by the project logistics companies; who have
Transporters) specialized trailers, handling equipment and experienced team to handle such projects. This
specialization is often offered by few freight forwarders, transporters and the custom brokers.
Special approvals are needed from National Highways and Motorways Police (NH&MP) and
National Highway Authority (NHA) to move such project cargo.
Shipping Agent The ship agents in Pakistan are acting as agents for the single shipping line and also multiple
shipping lines, depending on their agreement. They also offer ship husbandry services and
stevedoring.
Shipping Line There are a few shipping lines directly operating in Pakistan. Mostly the shipping lines work
with the ship agents. The shipping line are offering services to the freight forwarders and
directly to the exporters as well. Some fleet operators and carriers have also diversified and
developed their logistics wing, which makes them competitors to the freight forwarders. The
shipping lines have contracts with the private container yard operators to handle their
equipment.
Terminal Operators The port terminal operators tend to have agreement with the shipping line and the forwarders
for the terminal handling services like for the container yard from the terminal to the container
yard, freight handling services, container freight station, where usually the freight forwarders
perform the consolidation and the de-consolidation services. These terminal operators are also
diversified and offer the container freight train services, a sea - rail and sea-road mix.
Third-Party Other than freight forwarders, there are some logistics companies, transporters, who are
Logistics Service offering 3PL services in both road transportation and container freight train services, which
Provider (3PL) brings some multi-modalism, though not according to definition per se, through a mix of
warehouse management, contract management, transport, terminal operations and rail freight.
Truck Operator There are mainly two types, the market transporters and the fleet operators (minimum 20 - 25
trucks). The truck operators are offering transportation of dry cargo, bulk cargo, containers and
the fluid cargo not limited to the fuel, gas, chemicals etc. The fleet can be under the single
ownership or a pool of trucks from multiple owners.
Warehouse There are two types of warehouses, the general cargo warehouse and a cold storage
Operator warehouse. Some of these warehouses are operated by freight forwarders. Specialized private
entities design and build warehouse to the customer requirement; Rental warehouses are also
available; the landlord offers an open and covered area for the tenant to either make their own
constructions or ask the land load to build or modify according to the customer requirements.
The bonded warehouses are also available but are few in numbers, bonded warehouses
usually deal with the scrap, plastic pellets, lubricants and the steel coils etc.
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3. Justification for the NFLP

3.1. Rationale
The logistics has a profound impact on the implementation of the structural changes needed to achieve a
sustainable and an inclusive development. In Pakistan a new policy paradigm is needed to address the major
constraints in meeting the current demands for the freight and the logistics. The lack of a comprehensive vision
for infrastructure, logistics, mobility and transport hampers the realisation of a broad based and an inclusive
economic growth.
The different parts of the freight transport and the logistics value chain are currently being managed by
numerous different ministries and government agencies/organisations, including the Ministry of
Communications, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Aviation Division, Ministry of Commerce,
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as well as the
Provincial Governments. The absence of a unified ministry to lead the development of logistics is a significant
barrier.
To improve the level of multimodal transport, there is a need to update the legal and regulatory regime to
safeguard and harmonize the interests of multiple stakeholders. The restructuring of regulatory regime and
protection of stakeholders’ interests have to be in line with the global standards, industry norms and international
conventions; in order to satisfy the trading partners. Given the potential to expand the overland trade with
Pakistan's neighbours and within the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), Central Asia Regional
Economic Cooperation (CAREC) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) regions,
it is important for Pakistan to modernise its laws and strengthen the enforcement mechanism.
The National Freight and Logistics Policy (NFLP) responds to the inability of the country’s freight and logistics
system to meet the demand for goods transport (and associated supply chains) at competitive prices and
adequate service levels (both quality and reliability). Such higher price and below par service partially stem from
a combination of erratic policies, regulatory failures and institutional weaknesses that require operators and
service providers to deal with multiple entities and administrative procedures. While some infrastructure
components of the transport network (e.g. the world-class motorways and container ports) operate at acceptable
service levels - it is holistic performance of transport and logistics services that needs improvement. An
integrated system level approach is needed that signals a shift from a static supply-oriented provision of trucking
and warehousing services to a dynamic demand-driven delivery of freight and logistics services for both
domestic and cross-border goods movements.
Pakistan has adopted a National Transport Policy which defines multimodal logistics as one of the cross-cutting
sub-sectors and provides an overarching framework within which a National Freight Logistics Strategy can make
significant contributions to improve the sector.
9
Box 3. Why is Multimodal Logistics Important? Comparing Road vs Rail Transport
Overview
In 1947, Pakistan inherited 8,200 km. of railway network, but over a period of time, this sector was neglected; with
low levels of maintenance and almost no up-gradation of the railway infrastructure due to shift of freight to the road
network. Pakistan Railways over time lost capacity to cater to the increasing demand of freight cargo. There is an
immediate requirement to strengthen rail infrastructure. Stronger railway infrastructure will help to bring the overall
logistics cost down for the whole economy.
Rise of the Road Transport
In the 1950s, Pakistan Railways’ share in the freight haulage was over 86 percent which has tremendously
decreased to current around 6%. The transport and the logistics sector in Pakistan is diverse in composition and
comprises railways, roads, ports, shipping, aviation and the logistics services. The road transport dominates the
mix and carries about 94% of the freight traffic and around 93% of all passengers. The over-reliance on road
transport causes congestion and deterioration of the road network. The motorways and the national/provincial
highways constitute the major road networks of Pakistan. The national highways and the motorways constitute less
than 10% of the total road network but carry almost the entire freight traffic. The busiest route is the north-south N-
5 highway, running from Karachi to Torkham. The route is about 1,760 km. and carries about 65 percent of the
inter-city traffic and serves 80 percent of Pakistan’s urban population.
Inefficient Trucks Operations and the Deteriorating Effects on Road and Environment
There are about 500,000 registered trucks and pick ups operating in Pakistan, of which the majority are obsolete
old trucks, with rigid suspensions; these trucks have limited speeds, are heavy on fuel consumption and also have
a deteriorating effect on the road surface. The operation of these old trucks is highly inefficient in terms of time and
cost. The trucking sector suffers from a weak regulatory environment, resulting in over-loading, poor safety and a
low quality of service.
Why it is important to re-balance Freight to Rail Transport
According to the World Bank research, a single freight train can replace one hundred trucks at a time from the
road. Rail transport is also the more cost-effective mode of logistics, where one gallon of fuel can transport one
tonne of goods to 250 miles compared to 90 miles by the road. In the UK, the share of the freight by rail is about
23 percent in 2018-19. The total volume of the rail freight in the UK was around 17.4 billion net tonne kilometres in
2018-19. As per the 2016, NHA report; the international regulations overseeing the long-haul traffic specify that the
articulated trucks (trailers) should constitute at least 50% of the truck fleet; while in Pakistan, the articulated trucks
comprise only 12% of the total fleet composition. As the CPEC projects mature, estimates are that an additional
100,000 trucks will be needed to transport construction material and handle increased volumes of trade. The
efficient movement of freight by rail can help reduce the demand for the additional trucks, in turn easing congestion,
reducing the deterioration of roads and facilitating faster, safer, economical and environmentally friendly movement
of freight by rail.’
How Railways can alleviate Roads Deterioration and Axle Load Control Issues
The axle load has not been effectively controlled and over-loaded trucks cause severe damage to the national and
the provincial highways. The movement of the freight by rail will help transfer the freight traffic to rail and prevent
further deterioration of the road network.
Benefits of the Freight by Rail
The improvement in the rail infrastructure, with transfer of freight to rail from road shall yield the following broad
benefits, namely:
• Enhanced and an efficient movement of freight by rail;
• Saving of time and the reduced vehicle operating cost;
• Improved export competitiveness in the region;
• Enhanced rail/freight safety, lower rates of accidents due to better quality of track, engines and the freight
bogies;
• Lesser congestion and deterioration of roads;
• Better emission quality and environmental standards;
• The efficient rail-based freight service shall create healthy competition with the freight by road; and
• The improved rail freight service will help provide an enhanced level of service at competitive prices to the
customer.
Based on the above discussion, there is a compelling evidence to encourage a greater shift of freight from the road
transport to the rail transport.
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3.2. Potential Benefits

The effective and an efficient logistics system can be a key contributor to a robust economic growth in Pakistan;
freight and logistics holds all the potential and the promise to facilitate domestic and foreign trade, promote
global competitiveness, enhance incomes and reduce regional economic disparity. The sector is one of the
most important enablers of trade in the country. Specifically, an efficient freight transport and logistics network
has the potential to increase farmers’ income manifold, which can provide a catalyst to increasing the overall
performance of the country’s economy. Reliable, efficient and cost-effective logistics infrastructure for
commercial goods is critical to enhance Pakistan’s inclusive and rapid economic growth.
Globally, leading countries that have achieved efficiency in the logistics; follow a completely integrated approach
towards the logistics; in such integrated logistics the government provides a coordinated oversight to the entire
logistics value chain. In some countries, a Special Committee Chaired by the Prime Minister reviews progress
of the National Integrated Logistics Action Plan. Pakistan can easily integrate and optimize the various elements
of its logistics value chain, to ensure seamless, multi modal growth of an efficient freight transport and the
logistics sector.
An efficient and a reliable logistics network, coupled with a transparent and a consistent cross border trade
facilitation process is a key driver of export competitiveness in the country. It acts as an enabler for expanding
the foreign markets for the indigenous goods. Improving performance of the freight transport and logistics sector
can lead to a stronger integration of Pakistan’s economy into the global economy, resulting in positive effects,
such as higher GDP growth, increased exports, and create employment opportunities. The reduction in the
logistics costs will ensure that the Pakistani products become more competitive. Efficient freight and logistics
sector entails stronger and deeper trade relationships among the regional economies. So, the development of
this sector would accrue strategic and futuristic benefits, such as regional peace and stability stemming from
cohesion and an inter-reliance on the economies of each other.
Other benefits, include:
• Improving the fuel economy of the trucks will reduce the transport costs. Given that transport costs represent
almost 25 percent of the total product costs. So, this would translate into lower prices for food and other
manufactured products.
• Increasing the speed of transport will enable businesses to gain access to the new international and the
domestic markets. Reducing the overloading of trucks will also reduce the damage to the roads as well as
the costs of maintaining the network.
• Reduction in the waste from the perishable goods that are being transported. It is estimated that around 33%
of the current agriculture output is wasted because of the lack of the cold-chain and the perishable supply
chain.
• Lower levels of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lower bills for energy imports (the transport sector consumes 35% of the total energy in Pakistan).
• Increase the competitiveness of Pakistani exports. For each day less that freight spends in a supply chain,
trade can increase by 4.5 percent.
• Higher revenue collection as a by-product of improving the efficiency and performance of supply chains can
increase GDP by up-to 5 percent.
• Increased road safety through reducing the number of trucks by using alternate transport modes such as
Railways, Inland waterways etc. The natural corollary of the integrated and an efficient multimodal logistics
system will be an overcoming of over-reliance on the road-transport.
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4. Vision, Principles and Objectives

4.1. Vision Statement
Through improving the freight transport and logistics network, the country’s competitiveness will improve and
enhance the trade and an economic growth potential. This is expressed in a unifying vision of the freight and
the logistics sector:
“To drive economic growth and trade in Pakistan by increasing the
country’s competitiveness through an integrated, seamless, efficient,
reliable and cost-effective freight transport and logistics network,
leveraging best in class technology, processes and manpower.”
This can be visualized as follows:

Figure 4 – Vision for National Freight and Logistics Policy
Box 4. Annotations to the Vision

• Logistics Network: a sequence of distribution operations that works together to deliver a product or a
service to the market.
• Integrated: unified with various parts of different logistics systems and transport modalities linked.
• Seamless: happening without any sudden changes, interruption, with no barriers between the different
logistics systems.
• Efficient: ensuring a logistics system which utilizes the available resources effectively.
• Reliable: able to maintain consistent and predictable performance. Offers certainty in meeting
performance targets.
• Cost Effective: creating a transport system that is efficient in its operations and fair in determining prices,
where gains of the efficient operations are equitably distributed among shippers and carriers.
• Technology: utilizing new or high technology in logistics operations
• Processes: a series of logical steps taken to achieve product delivery from one end to the other
• Labour: requires workers who have specialized training or a learned skill set in logistics to perform the
work.
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4.2. Objectives
In realizing the vision, the strategic objective is to lower the logistics costs, improve the customer service
and increase the speed and reliability of the services provided. This will drive economic growth, boost trade
and improve domestic industries and can trigger a virtuous cycle of transport efficiency and world class service
delivery in the freight and the logistics sector.
In view of the vision and the strategic objective, 10 objectives are identified. These are prioritized areas of
development for implementation due to their significance in improving the efficiency and professionalism in the
freight and the logistics industry in Pakistan. These objectives are based on the 5-C model (see box 5.):
Objective 1. Realign Institutions and provide an Effective Regulatory Oversight to enhance the quality,
procedures and processes set out by the Government.
Objective 2. Stimulate Private Sector Investment by Providing an Enabling Environment for
Modernizing the Logistics Infrastructure to provide the enabling platform for the private
sector to invest and modernize their logistics operations.
Objective 3. Strengthen the Transit Trade Business with the Neighbouring and Regional Countries to
facilitate international trade.
Objective 4. Enhance Multimodal Linkages to encourage and make optimal use of the infrastructure
provided and being developed.
Objective 5. Encourage Freight by Railways to increase the capacity of the railway sector as it is one of
the most efficient modalities for transporting the long-distance goods.
Objective 6. Establish a Modern Trucking Fleet to increase the competitiveness of the sector and reduce
the negative externalities of the out-dated fleet.
Objective 7. Build Urban-Rural Connectivity to enhance and promote linkages of agriculture products to
the markets.
Objective 8. Develop E-Logistics to encourage and facilitate the emerging market of small customer goods,
domestic and internationally.
Objective 9. Adopt Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to enable the usage of modern state of the art
technologies
Objective 10. Training and Capacity Building of the Industry to promote skilled labour.
Box 5. The 5 C’s and the role of the Government

The objectives of any logistics sector can be elaborated along the following framework:
Connectivity Competitiveness Cross-Border Transit
Measures that establish well- Actions that resolve the issues in Initiatives that simplify border crossing
functioning market linkages and each transport mode to improve formalities to shorten border crossing
supply chains through accession time and cost performance. This time and lower the associated costs.
to and implementation of also considers aspects such as The inititives include infrastructure
international conventions and supply chain reliability and and procedural assessment and
complying with international security, as well as multimodal improvements at land and sea
standards. transport. gateways.
Information and Capacity Building

Communications Incentivize the sector to attract
Technology and retain talents and, thus
Adoption of innovative solutions enhancing and sustaining the
that are technologically driven to sector’s long-term development
improve operational performance and competitiveness.
and service delivery in Pakistan.
Role of the Government: Freight transport and logistics are activities that are best left to the private sector companies;
government should not be involved in delivering the actual services and products that flow from the implementation of
the NFLP. The role of the government should be to facilitate and support; government should help create transparency,
remove physical and non-physical bottlenecks and barriers to improving customer service, lowering costs, and increasing
speed and reliability. These activities cover setting and enforcing standards, acceding to international conventions,
providing public infrastructure, and set out a regulatory regime in which the private sector can thrive.
13
Objective 1. Realign institutions and provide an effective regulatory oversight

1.1. Establish the Pakistan Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority to oversee the regulations of the
freight and logistics industry.
1.2. Develop industry regulations for courier and logistics establishing the requirements for the
functioning sector, including vehicle and operating standards, for the freight and the logistics industry.
1.3. Continue the development of and discussion on Freight and Logistics through the Steering
Committee on Freight and Logistics as the consultative platform for development of the logistics sector
and address emerging issues and tasks.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Institutional Structure for Governance’ in the
Policy Actions.
Objective 2. Stimulate Private Sector Investment by Providing an Enabling Environment for

Modernizing the Logistics Infrastructure
2.1. Develop and implement a Logistics Industry Transformation Plan that operationalize the policy
recommendations and interventions, allocating required resources and detailed timeframes with action.
2.2. Define Development Mechanism for the Logistics infrastructure is fundamentally important because
such capital-intensive projects require reasonable levels of policy and regulatory certainty. Guidelines on
the procurement processes, awards and concessions, how to utilize public-private partnership, build-
operate-transfer or other modes have to be considered.
2.3. Expand the Financing Options through innovative financing mechanisms such as private-public
partnerships, self-sustaining impact funds and supporting entrepreneurial ventures in the area.
2.4. Enforce rules and regulations to provide an equal playing field for all private sector operators, this
includes enforcement of axle load and vehicle standards, as well as land titles and the prevention of
encroachment and illegal squatters.
2.5. Provide and enhance transport data and statistics to inform decision making by the private sector.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Enabling Environment for Private Sector
Investment to Modernize Logistics Infrastructure’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 3. Strengthen the Transit Trade Business with the Neighbour Countries
3.1. Streamline Customs and Border Controls, which include the bilateral customs data interchange with
the neighbour countries and using the risk-based management and technologies to simplify the controls.
Facilitate Border Crossing, so that the transit goods can move across the border with the least time and
fees. This would require redesign of the infrastructure, using modern equipment, better layout design and
harmonize operating procedures and documents.
3.2. Provide Attraction and Incentives to Promote and Facilitate the Transit Trade. Promoting Gwadar
for the transit trade to the land-locked Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics and the western regions of
China through incentives, infrastructure and the multimodal connections.
3.3. Drive the full implementation of the TIR and the CMR to increase the transit business and increase
the attractiveness of Pakistan as a transit nation.
3.4. Integrate Logistics considerations in the Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks to facilitate
an efficient movement of the goods.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under ‘Transit Trade Facilitation’ and ‘International
Conventions, ‘Standards and Agreement’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 4. Enhance Multimodal Linkages

4.1. Enhance the road capacity to Karachi Port by taking measures to streamline traffic and alleviate road
congestion in near port areas at Karachi Port.
4.2. Develop and build direct rail connectivity to the Port Terminals to ensure an efficient and an
uninterrupted operation of the rail from all the terminals of Karachi Port, Port Qasim and in due course
Gwadar Port.
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4.3. Establish Road-Rail Linkages by developing state of the art trucking stations in cities and providing rail
linkage to these trucking stations. Rail linkage with these truck terminals will also help Pakistan Railways
to utilize the coverage of the road transport.
4.4. Encourage 3rd party multimodal transport operators that can operate across multiple transport modes
and facilitate transport from door-to-door.
4.5. Promote and establish warehousing and cold-storage supply chains, to increase the quality of the
logistics operations, particularly of the perishable goods and enhance the timeliness of the logistics
operations.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Seaports and Port Logistics’, ‘Multimodal
Logistics’, ‘Air Transport’ and ‘Inland Waterways Transport’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 5. Encourage Freight by Railways

5.1. Modernise the Railways Infrastructure to establish a competitive and an efficient network to the key
markets across the country. This will include extending the rail network to the ports and the dry ports,
enhancing the capacity for the containerized goods and enabling the cold-storage supply chains.
5.2. Reform Pakistan Railways to adopt market-driven practices, such as establishing a freight
transportation company, entering into public-private partnerships, outsourcing selected Railways services
and implementing dynamic pricing regime; where pricing is based on the demand and supply.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Rail Transport’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 6. Establish a Modern Trucking Fleet

6.1. Revive and implement the Trucking Policy to harmonize and set out the required vehicle standards
and promote modern vehicle fleets.
6.2. Develop a Vehicle Fleet Renewal Programme, to incentivize establishing a modern competitive
trucking fleet
6.3. Improve Regulation on the Movement of the Dangerous Goods, including considerations for
accession to the UN Convention on the dangerous goods ADR.
6.4. Enhance the implementation of the Axle Load Regime, to improve the quality of the logistics and
reduce the negative externalities of the overloading to the environment and the road network.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Road Transport’ and ‘International Conventions,
Standards and Agreement’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 7. Build Urban-Rural Connectivity

7.1. Improve the management of freight transport in urban areas, this includes facilitation through
warehousing and cargo villages near the outskirts of the urban area.
7.2. Increase supply chain efficiency in the rural areas, such as instituting the cargo-generating projects
and hub-spoke designs that lowers the cost of transportation
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Urban-Rural Transport’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 8. Develop E-Logistics

8.1. Reduce the cost of First Mile and Last Mile deliveries, which should incorporate e-commerce logistics
considerations for the spatial planning, regulation on the use of the personal mobile devices and working
protocols for the dispatch riders.
8.2. Promote Electronic and Mobile Payments, to reduce the risk and inefficiency of using cash for the
transactions.
8.3. Encourage warehousing for small consumer goods to facilitate ease of shipment and reduce costs.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘E-Logistics’ in the Policy Actions.
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Objective 9. Adopt Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

9.1. Encourage Just in Time delivery through adoption of technology to decrease inventory and
consequently working capital.
9.2. Support the implementation of the ITS and conduct trials and pilots for innovations to be implemented
nation-wide.
9.3. Promote Smart Logistics, through the use of the technologies, such as ABCDs (Artificial Intelligence,
Blockchains, Cloud Computing and Data Analytics).
9.4. Encourage and facilitate Track and Trace technologies by all parties involved in the logistics industry,
this includes the public and the private sector.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Information Technology’ in the Policy Actions.
Objective 10. Training and Capacity Building of the Industry

10.1. Introduce capacity building programs, which focuses on employability and industry-academia
linkages.
10.2. Develop the Accreditation, Certification and Standards, to describe the skillsets and qualifications,
particularly concerning driver licensing and training
10.3. Encourage the setup of Centres of Excellence to promote technology transfer.
The specific implementation actions are elaborated under the ‘Capacity Building’ in the Policy Actions.
4.3. Principles
In addition to the objectives, it is essential to follow several guiding principles in designing and implementing the
actions. The principles lay down the foundations which every intervention shall be required to meet.
Principle 1. Freight and Logistics policy shall be objectives-led, and target driven. The objectives and
targets shall guide the development of the logistics sector leading to informed decision-making at all levels of
the government. The targets will be made ‘SMART’ (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound).
Principle 2. The Government shall provide the enabling environment for the logistics sector,
considering the wider economic, environmental and social government policy frameworks. The Private
Sector shall work on commercial basis, within the framework provided by the Government. Clear
separation of the roles between the policymaker, regulator, and the operator shall be pursued. The regulatory
and the policy functions shall remain core responsibilities of the Government and will be distinguished from the
operating and management functions of the transport services.
Principle 3. Decisions shall be guided by evidence and data. In support of Principle 1, the Government shall
improve the quality and quantity of the data and the statistics, relevant to the logistics sector. The processes
and methods for the data collection will be made transparent and consistent across Government. A national
data centre with focus on Logistics information shall be institutionalized, such as the National Transport Data
Observatory (NTDO).
Principle 4. Projects and programs shall contribute to a multimodal and integrated transport system.
The heavy reliance on the road freight is not cost-effective and is not sustainable in the long term. While
cognizant of the limitations of the infrastructure, institutional and the industry issues in the alternative transport
modes, the holistic view of a multimodal transport and the logistics system shall remain the key principle to
guide the decision making and the investment. The central planning body within the Government is desired to
have this role in the coordination and approval.
Principle 5. The use of technology and innovation shall be incentivized. The Government shall provide an
enabling environment, not limited to the tax incentives but also to encourage the foreign and the domestic
investment in high technology and innovation. The regulatory guillotine shall be used to remove or simplify
bureaucratic and the administrative barriers while maintaining socio-economic well-being of the country. Cutting
edge technologies shall be encouraged, nurtured and developed through the provision of a business-friendly
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environment, industry-academia collaboration, vocational training and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit with
the young generation.
Principle 6. Human resources capacity shall be strengthened. The Government shall set the conditions for
the private sector to invest in the logistics skills-set, including the drivers/operators, transport and terminal
operators, and the service providers. The Government shall facilitate and support partnerships between the
logistics industry, educational institutes and the logistics associations to conduct formal educations to the current
practitioners as well as the future transport / logistics specialists.
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5. Policy actions
The policy actions set out the different interventions for each focal area. A brief description is provided with the
lead implementor. The implementing agencies are primarily the government entities that will execute the policy.
To ensure accountability, the lead implementer is identified for every action. This lead implementer is the
‘process owner’, who serves as the primary focal point and coordinates with the other co-implementers to
complete an action.
An implementation matrix to identify the co-implementing parties, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and
the timescale for the implementation is provided in Annex B.
5.1. Road Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor
Revise Trucking Review and revise the Trucking Policy 2007 with a view to provide Ministry of Industries and
Policy effective actions to develop, operate and maintain a modern Production and Ministry of
vehicle fleet in Pakistan Communications
Establish a Truck Develop in consultation with the Industry a truck fleet renewal Ministry of Industries and
Renewal programme to modernize the fleet in line with international Production and Ministry of
Programme standards by providing incentives to the Industry for modern Communications
vehicles and setting a sunset clause for older vehicles.
Adopt WP29 WP29 is a UN technical standard for harmonizing vehicle Pakistan Standards and
specifications and can improve and hamronize local Quality Control Authority
manufacturing standards.
Recognize semi- Setup registry for semi-trailer and classify them as transport National Highway Authority
trailers as vehicle.
transport vehicle
Update and Adopt and implement model Road Safety Act, which updates Ministry of
harmonize Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, across all provinces and Communications and
legislation territories, with a view to cover all types of vehicles, and Provincial Transport
harmonize rules, procedures and the safety standards applicable Departments
to ensure roadworthiness and safe transportation to avoid
accidents and unnecessary road maintenance.
This will include the latest road safety act and define vehicle age
limits and vehicle fitness requirements, decommissioning of over-
aged vehicles, registration of prime mover, as well as chassis and
tank lorry, specify the registration procedure for non-standard
delivery/transport vehicles, and harmonize weigh limits.
This should use international standards and benchmarking with
International Road Union (IRU) in order to let the Pakistani trucks
smoothly transit in neighbouring countries.
Enforce drivers’ Enforce Drivers’ Registration, in line with the Driver Licensing Provincial Traffic Police
registration and Guidelines from Ministry of Communications, where drivers’
training training and licensing documents be in both English, Urdu and
provincial languages, if needed.
Revise and Revise and enhance the regulation of the tyre and lubricants used Ministry of
enhance for cargo transport, utilizing Section 74 of Provincial Motor Vehicle Communications,
regulation of tyre Ordinance 1965 Provincial Transport
and lubricants Departments
This will include disposal of disposal of used tyre and lubricants,
along with the spare parts to avoid reuse and the environmental
hazards.
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Improve, Improve the licensing procedure for the Heavy Transport Vehicle Provincial Traffic Police,
Licensing and (HTV) in line with the guidelines for vehicle licensing and enforce National Highways &
regulation of vehicle manufacturing standards. Motorways Police,
Heavy Transport National Highway Authority
Vehicle Provincial Transport
Departments
Enforcement of Re-enforce the axle load regime but offering necessary transition Ministry of
axle load regime period before rigid enforcement. GoP may: Communications
• Conduct more consultations with major users of road freight
(e.g. cement, sugar, fertilizers) on the transition time to full
implementation of axle load regime
• Publish transition lead times and the formal implementation
date after taking into consideration all the inputs of
stakeholders
• Define the set of penalties for violations after the
implementation date.
• Develop alternative transport solutions for areas that do not
have alternative mode of transport
Permit bonded Permit bonded warehouse facility for imported vehicles, prime Federal Board of Revenue
warehouse facility movers and trailers to encourage international trade.
for imported
vehicles
Set Vehicle Enforce and enhance national regulations for Manufacturing and Pakistan Standards and
standards Assessment of locally produced transport vehicles, chassis and Quality Control Authority
trailers. These standards are important to ensure the road-safety.
In addition, it is also imperative to enforce the inspections to certify
the road worthiness of the vehicle, chassis and trailers before
commissioning operations on the road.
Define Liabilities For domestic transport, define liabilities for road freight in case of Ministry of
for road freight loss, damage or delay during road transport. For the international Communications
transport, the CMR Convention implementation will help address
the issue because it amply defines the liabilities.
Develop National Define, enforce and promote national Road Consignment Note for Ministry of
Road domestic shipment where details of liability and responsibility of Communications
Consignment Note the carrier and the shipper should be defined along with the
compensation in case of loss, damage of delay. Preferably these
Road Consignment Note may be aligned with the CMR
(International Road Convention). This will replace the different
formats of ‘bilty’.
Develop Road-side Construct a national network of the road-side amenities to offer National Highway
infrastructure proper resting place for the long-haul drivers, particularly in places Authority, Provincial and
like Baluchistan and at key junctions such as Sibi and Speizend, Regional Road Agencies
where such amenities are lacking, with the consideration to
encourage private investment to construct and operate the
amenities after procurement by government, These can support
the trade routes with the region
Issue Project- Simplify the process to obtain permit for transporting over-sized National Highway
Cargo Permit at project cargo by issuing the permission at international gateways, Authority, Provincial and
international in particular at the ports, for the complete route. This will enhance Regional Road Agencies
gateways and expedite delivery times significantly..
Update driving Update the syllabus for Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) license to National Highways &
handbook and cover Defensive Driving Course and Health Safety Security Motorways Police,
licenses Environment as well. Provincial Traffic Police.
Update the Road Safety Handbook and must highlight use of
reflectors and lash cargo in accordance with the pre-defined
standards, using tools and equipment for safety of cargo such as
belts, chains, ropes and mandatory signs.
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Implement Road Improve road asset management, through private sector National Highway
Asset development, in line with best industry practices and Authority, Provincial and
Management contemporary trends. Regional Road Agencies.
Enhance Data Collection, modelling and analysing road transport data and National Transport
Collection statistics including data related to road asset management and Research Centre, Ministry
road safety of Planning, Development
and Special Initiatives
Improve Fuel Develop and set a programme to improve fuel standards with a view OGRA
quality to reach Euro 6 compliant standards. A phased programme, in
consultation with the refineries shall be established.
Review of import The import duty on the Complete Knock Down (CKD) and Federal Board of Revenue
duties on vehicles Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) shall be reviewed to encourage the
transport sector.
Automate, certify Implement automated and integrated weight-bridge system. Ministry of
and standardize Communications
weigh-bridge • All the weight-bridges should be integrated into a
centralized database that can disseminate this information
to all the border points.
• Certify and standardize weight-bridge system
• Link the weight data across National Highway Authority,
terminal operators and rail operators, as well as truck
operators so that authorities can access the information
• Weight bridges have to be installed and ensure that the
load transfer between port terminals, rail and trucks are
within the weight limit permissible.
Establishment of Permit and promote warehousing and cold-storage facilities at Ministry of
Warehousing and strategic locations, to increase the quality of the logistics operations, Communications together
Cold-storage particularly of the perishable goods and enhance the timeliness of with private sector
supply chains the logistics operations associations
5.2. Rail Transport

Improve Mainline- Upgrade Mainline-1 from Karachi to Peshawar as envisioned under Ministry of Railways
1 CPEC to increase capacity and speed of the main route across the
country.
Develop Havelian Develop Havelian Dry Port to allow for transfer of cargo to rail in Ministry of Railways
Dry Port Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Establish Cargo Establish cargo handling facilities at strategic locations across the Ministry of Railways
Handling Facilities country. In particular, facilities for handling perishable goods will be
established to facilitate the cold-storage supply chain.
Transform Accelerate the transition of Pakistan Railways Freight Transportation Ministry of Railways
Pakistan Railways Company as a commercial entity. Pakistan Railways need
to a commercial institutional strengthening and improve service delivery. This
entity requires substantial investment in the human resource and
technology. See Pakistan Railway Strategic Plan.
Improve feeder The feeder lines to the coal fired power plants shall be established. Ministry of Railways
lines for coal and Pakistan Railways has envisaged the two additional lines between
bulk freight Keamari to Lahore to provide a new railway link that will be capable
of transporting freight and coal from Qasim port to the three major
power coal fired power plants in Jamshoro, Karam Dad Qureshi
(Muzaffargarh) and Qadirabad (Sahiwal). A phase-wise coal logistic
and the business plan shall be developed by the Pakistan Railways,
in view of the most realistic requirements of the freight and the coal
in future.
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Develop Pipri Extend and upgrade the railway linkages from Pipri Marshalling Yard Ministry of Railways
Marshalling Yard to Karachi Port terminals, exclusively for freight transport to alleviate
connection to the pressure on the road and enhance the accessibility to the port.
Karachi Port This will avoid the use of trucks for short distance transfer from port
terminals to rail terminal and double handling
Revise the Revise the Railways Laws 1890 to permit private sector participation Ministry of Railways
Railways Laws in railways terminals, specialized facilities such as silos, bulk
1890 storage, loading and unloading equipment, rolling stocks including
wagons and locomotives.
Setting market Adopt market-driven rail freight tariffs based on the market dynamics Ministry of Railways
driven rail-freight and implement a dynamic Revenue Management System for rail
tariffs cargo
Extended Extend the operating hours of railway stations that have high freight Ministry of Railways
operating hours volume for enhanced operations and onward inland distribution,
particularly along the Karachi-Lahore route, should be extended to
permit the transfer of goods between road and rail.
Connect railways Assess the feasibility to connect rail system to SEZs and other Ministry of Railways
to SEZs and industrial parks. Emphasis here is to streamline the first mile and last
Industrial Parks mile connectivity. Where possible, rail siding will connect rail
terminals at Punjab such as Prem Nagar to the industrial parks to
reduce the use of trucks.
Railway Consider establishing a rail link to Gwadar, once the port and Ministry of Railways
connectivity to economic zone has sufficient demand. The feasibility study in this
Gwadar regard was done in June 2019.
In particular, Gwadar should have a rail link that connects the nearby
Special Economic Zones and Industrial/Logistics Parks. Port Qasim
deals with commodities and a conveying system that can transfer
bulk commodities such as coal to the nearest rail terminal will be
useful.
5.3. Maritime Transport

Improve Expand the Logistics and warehousing facilities at the Karachi Sindh Government,
warehousing Northern Bypass to cater for storage and handling. Ministry of
facilities along the Communications
Karachi Northern To increase the efficiency of seaports operations focusing on
Bypass berthing and discharge/loading. Storage and handling operations
should be relocated to terminals at the Northern Bypass.
New access road Rehabilitate a new access road to South Asia Port Terminal (SAPT) Sindh Government
to SAPT to relieve the frequent congestion caused by trucks queuing outside
Karachi East Wharf and oil tankers parking at Shehreen Jinnah
Colony, obstructing trucks moving into SAPT.
Improve gate Improving gate accessibility and control to Karachi Port and Port Karachi Port Trust; Qasim
accessibility to Qasim. To shorten the gate-in and gate-out time, electronic driver Port Authority
Karachi Port and and vehicle identification system can be used. Vehicles that are
Port Qasim sub-standard should be stopped at the gate. Redesign of the offices
can also improve the efficiency of the seaports-road interface. It is
recommended that the office that issues temporary permission for
drivers/vehicles to remain in the seaport expand the outlets, or
increase from the existing 24 hours to a longer time (e.g. 2-3 days).
Also, the port charges offices do not operate 24/7. Either the
operating hours be extended, or an online submission and
electronic payment system be made available to expedite cargo
collection. Finally, consider if the number of gates can be increased
at the Karachi Port.
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Handling over- Setup one-stop shop to issue permission for over-sized and over- Karachi Port Trust; Qasim
sizes and over- weight cargoes near the ports. To avoid the need to visit multiple Port Authority; Gwadar Port
weight cargoes offices and get permission, a one-stop shop centre that can issue Trust;
such permits to drivers should be established, the road permission
to carry Project Cargo on highways should be issued near the port
which is the common loading station rather than at the first toll
station.
For particular over-sized and over-weight cargoes that must be
dismantled and shipped separately, and then re-assembled at final
destination, should be conducted at external container freight
station instead of in the port terminal.
The infrastructure specially road connectivity from port to the
economic zones and logistics parks must be designed in such a
way that oversize project cargo can easily reach at site because
there will be Industrial projects; which require heavy equipment
including plant and machinery which are always out of gauge over
size. Also, the heavy equipment’s and require effective and an
efficient road infrastructure from port to the project site.
Promote Promote the use of FIATA Multimodal Waybills to facilitate Pakistan International
multimodal seaports-road multimodal transport. The FIATA FBL and FWB Freight Forwarders
waybills and (negotiable and non-negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Association
multimodal Lading) should be promoted. Such documents can reduce two
transport separate documents used separately on road and sea into one
operators document that is internationally recognized. This also requires
promoting the concept of a Multimodal Transport Operators (MTO).
Reduce Reduce the congestion inside by containers of the ports by Pakistan Customs
congestion inside streamlining the clearance procedures at the Port
Karachi Port
• Have a higher number of containers “pre-cleared” by
customs based on the track record of the importers
• Hold regular auctions to remove aged or unclaimed
containers from the seaport terminals or explore cost
efficient methods to dispose of such containers
• Consider East Wharf and West Wharf as a single setup for
customs clearance.
Review the Re-examine the statutes that govern the roles and mandates of KPT Ministry of Maritime Affairs
statutes of KPT and PQA.
and PQA
Roles and mandates of the respective port regulators expanded to
include investing in training and upskilling for members of the port
community
Develop risk Develop a risk assessment and mitigations measures and recovery Ministry of Maritime Affairs
assessments procedures to ensure business continuity in the vital Karachi Port
and Port Qasim.
Improve access to Improve the accessibility to Karachi Port by: Ministry of Planning,
and from Karachi Development and Special
port by investing • Develop dedicated rail-freight corridor to the Port (see 5.2 Initiatives
in multiple modes Railways)
• Segregate the intra and the inter-city cargo traffic in
Karachi via the existing and new bypasses (Karachi
Southern-bypass, Northern Bypass, Karachi Freight
Corridor, Lyari Expressway) connecting to N-5, M-9 and
M-10.
• Consider and expand the access by construct dual-
carriageway flyovers where users have to pay a toll for its
usage.
• Develop barge solutions to alleviate pressure contributed
by cargo movements on the roads as a stop-gap measure
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Creation of Dry Consider creation of a dry port between Karachi Port and Port Ministry of
Port near Ports of Qasim Communications
Karachi and
Qasim
Second Channel Create a second access channel for Port Qasim to enhance Ministry of Maritime Affairs
to Port Qasim capacity of Qasim port and improve operational performance, in
particular considering the LNG terminals
Increase ship Increase ship-handling capacity catering to larger vessels being Ministry of Maritime Affairs
handling capacity deployed by shipping lines
Develop long-term Develop long-term Port plans on a 30-year horizon considering: Ministry of Maritime Affairs
Port plans
• Future terminal concessions should account for Ministry of Planning,
operational needs of shipping alliances rather than specific Development and Special
terminal operators or shipping lines Initiatives
• Establishment of new seaport complexes inside and
outside of the port areas
• Hinterland and maritime connectivity as key drivers
Develop Industries Pursue investment opportunities to drive development of industries Gwadar Port Authority
near Gwadar Port that support generation of local cargo for Gwadar Port
Gwadar Development
• Creation of an export-oriented special economic zone Authority
adjacent to the seaport
• Critical need to generate local cargo to support the seaport
on a sustained basis
Review, Ratify and The objective of the policy is to strengthen the maritime sector, Ministry of
adopt Pakistan attracting overseas and local operators/investors, as well as Communications
Merchant Marine enhance the competitiveness of vessel owners, charterers, and
Policy 2001 operators in Pakistan. Amendments to the Financial Bill 2021 will
be required.
Reconstruct Reconstruct the Mehran Highway to improve the accessibility to Sindh Government,
Mehran Highway Port Qasim National Highway Authority
5.4. Air Transport

Develop Aero- Develop aero logistics parks inside or adjacent to international airports. Civil Aviation
Logistics Parks These parks will house logistics centres, express and courier sorting Authority
centres and other value-added services. Such cargo villages should be
connected with other modes of transportation, such as road and
railways.
The creation of air logistics park or air cargo village adjacent to the
airport can facilitate air cargo agents and ground handling companies to
handle logistics more efficiently.
Develop Cool-ports Develop ecosystem for handling of perishable goods at the airport, in Civil Aviation
particular establish ‘Cool Ports’ including temperature-controlled Authority
warehouses that allow storage and rapid handling of time and
temperature-sensitive items requiring air transport.
Medicine and particular fruits and vegetables may be targeted. The
perishables are an important component of the air freight. These
perishables offer huge export potential for the country. However, a
whole ecosystem has to develop at village level to tap into this potential.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should target
ecosystem and supply chain systems for the export of products such as
dairy and horticulture produce.
Permit Cargo Permit cargo airlines to fly international routes immediately instead of Civil Aviation
Airlines directly to waiting for at least 12 months. Authority / Aviation
fly internationally Division
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Simplify Simplify the procedure for Trans-shipment Permit (TP) at airports. Federal Board of
Transhipment Revenue
permit
Adopt AS9100 Adopt the AS 9100 Standard, which is a quality management system for Civil Aviation
Standard aerospace and aviation and consider targeting the Maintenance, Repair Authority
and Overhaul business at airport operated by qualified logistics
companies
Build Transit Trade Build Transit Trade Facilities for e-commerce packets and parcels Civil Aviation
Facilities through Pakistani airports to attract parcels from in particular China. Authority
China exports huge number of small e-commerce packets and parcels.
If a fraction of those packets is diverted through Pakistan, the Chinese
e-commerce exporters will be able to realize substantial savings in both
cost and time. Moreover, it will also avert clogging capacity in China,
especially during peak seasons. Pakistan Post and other providers can
play an important role in diverting Chinese e-commerce business
through Pakistan.
Enhance Aviation Expand single window to involve air cargo regulatory agencies in order Federal Board of
Custom Procedures to avoid duplication of procedures. Revenue
Review roles of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is performing the role of an operator, Aviation Division
CAA regulator, developer and revenue collector. CAA operates and develops
the airports, regulates the airline industry and collects airline related
taxes and charges on behalf of the government. Such an arrangement
not only creates conflict of interest but also impedes growth of airlines
and air freight industry in the country. In order to avoid this arrangement,
CAA Airport Services Department should be separated, and airport
operator’s functions should be performed by private sector.
New and existing airports should be considered for public private
partnership on build-operate-transfer.
Improve quality Ensure that registered handling agencies are well-equipped to cater to Civil Aviation
handling agencies the cargo needs. Authority
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5.5. Inland Waterways Transport

Action Description Lead Implementers
Develop an IWT Develop an Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Master Plan Ministry of
Master Plan Communications
• Phase 1: Develop an integrated IWT terminal at Daud Khel to
facilitate road-water transport.
• Phase 2: Extend IWT from Mianwali to Taunsa
• Phase 3: Extend IWT from Taunsa to Sukkur
Several hydrological and engineering studies have been performed
indicating that IWT is possible with one key determinant – freight volume.
Due to the projected large investment, the breakeven volume determines
the feasibility. The cost of constructing 1,600km Karachi to Kalabagh
channel is estimated to be approximately $4.0 billion phased over 5 to10
years. It is recognized that 146 million acre-feet (MAF) of water in the Indus
River, of which near 30MAF flows into the sea, is more than sufficient to
sustain an effective inland water transport system. Land acquisition and
population displacement is not necessary, and river and canal corridors are
already in the government ownership.
In terms of infrastructure, development of the IWT along the Indus River has
to be done in phases. Attock to Daud Khel (220 km) has already been
experimented and proven to be feasible by the former IWTDC. Under the
new Phase 1, the IWT should develop an integrated IWT terminal at from
Daud Khel in Mianwali, which is a transport hub with roads radiating from
four directions, thus facilitating road-water transport. Under Phase 2, the
IWT can extend from Mianwali to Taunsa. Once operational, this implies an
IWT of 550 km. Next Phase 3 can extend from Taunsa to Sukkur, which is
another major transport hub. These three phases will form the trunk inland
waterway. Subsequent phases will likely require more financial resources to
overcome the low water profile of the river in the Sindh province.
Set up an Inland Setup an Inland Waterway Transport Authority to cover all aspects of Ministry of
Waterway developing inland water transport and other associated activities such as Communications
Transport waterfront land utilization, tourist resorts etc.
Authority
This authority will have the mandate to develop both passenger and cargo
transport. The authority will develop the regulation on cargo on IWT and
select the IWT operator.
The IWTA will function as the coordinating agency and liaise with the
provincial governments.
Appoint a new Evaluate and Appoint a new IWT Development Company. Learning from Inland Waterways
IWT the experiences of IWT Development Company (IWTDC) in Punjab, to Transport Authority
Development select a well-established Pakistan-based logistics operator to be the new
Company IWTDC. A pure commercial firm is not the best fit due to the potential war-
time application of IWT and also the expected longer time horizon to make
IWT profitable. It should be made clear that IWT has a socio-economic
mandate. This IWTDC could be given the sole right to operate the IWT on
specific sections and the concessions lasting a definite period of years
(e.g. 10 years) to demonstrate the ‘proof of concept’.
Develop rules Develop federal laws, rules and regulations covering Inland Waterway Inland Waterways
and regulations transport, including the following: Transport Authority
for IWT
• Regulations for the boats and crafts used for cargo
transportation. This will specify the dimensions and the technical
performance of the assets top operate safely and efficiently on
rivers
• Develop National Standards on Manufacturing of locally produced
ships, in case local production of the boats and barges is
considered favourably.
• Enforce and managing registration of lease of waterfront lands,
waterfront resorts, terminals, shipyards, maintenance depots, etc.
• Develop processes to issue and obtain permits and licenses
• Cover issues related to Health, Safety and Environment
• Develop Training and research centre to cover all aspects of
Inland water transportation
25
5.6. Urban Transport

Establish long Establish long-term and an effective land-use zoning and planning. The Provincial Planning
term city existing and the future freight movements may be projected and modelled, and Development
planning after which it is incorporated into the land-use and urban planning. Departments
• Need an effective coordination of the Transport Department with the
Local Governments for the pragmatic and efficient land-use
planning and zoning.
• Incorporate the freight transport needs into the spatial planning.
• Develop properly sited, planned and designed adequate parking
space.
• Develop properly sited, planned and designed adequate loading
and unloading points.
• Provide properly planned and designed ramps at the commercial
facilities for the materials transfer
• Re-examine land use zoning guidelines to distinguish land meant
for port activities
Delegate and Improve and enhance responsibilities for regulating the local transport, and Provincial Planning
enhance local delegate provincial responsibilities to local bodies whilst equipping them with and Development
responsibility the necessary funds, tools and technologies to help address urban transport. Departments,
for transport These local bodies should be responsible for preparing a holistic master plan Provincial Local
planning for the city, keeping in view; the anticipated expansion of the city and its Government
future traffic requirements. The Planning and Development, the Housing &
Urban Development Department, Local Government Department and the
Transport Department have to work in close collaboration.
Asses bypass Carry out traffic studies to bypass roads to avoid long-haul traffic moving Provincial Transport
roads and limit through the city centre and need to transit to another destination to avoid Departments
heavy traffic in stopping in the city causing blockades, traffic jams and congestion.
the cities
Special attention should be given to the requirements of the heavy transport
vehicles (HTV) that have to enter the city to cater to city’s commercial and
industrial requirements. Facilitate and regulate the access of these vehicles
to city centres.
Designate Designate loading and unloading areas and impose penalties and increase Provincial Transport
loading and enforcement on the illegal parking on the road-side. Departments
unloading
areas Urban plans have to incorporate proper loading bays, preferably off-streets to
avoid obstruction of traffic. In congested areas, the roads/streets can be
marked with special symbols to signify loading/unloading spaces and
ensuring effective enforcement in this respect. There is a requirement for the
international standard road signage / direction signs and markings to indicate
the prohibited or permitted locations for the loading and the unloading at the
designated places on the streets and roads.
Establish Establish, cross-dock stations on the outskirts of the cities These stations Provincial Transport
Cross dock should be located near strategic well accessible locations to facilitate Departments.
stations transfer, collection and repacking of cargo.
Also, for the vehicles that need the loading of goods from the HTV for the
redistribution, a loading station and area should be reserved in the industrial
zone located in the outskirts, including facilities for the construction of
distribution centres. HTV can unload the goods or containers, undergo
break-bulk in these centres and dispatch the goods to the final destinations,
using smaller vehicles or vans.
26

Facilitate night Facilitate the night operations for transfer and movement of cargo Provincial Transport
delivery Departments.
operations • Extend operating hours of the selected rail terminal to allow road-
rail transfer of goods
• Limit the number of the police-checkpoints to streamline and
facilitate night time traffic.
• Install street lights at areas where the night operation is likely to
happen (e.g. loading and unloading areas).
The night operations can be encouraged because this yields two
advantages. Firstly, the roads are less congested and the vehicle speeds
can be faster. Secondly, it increases the asset utilization for the logistics
companies. However, railways stations only operate at day time, but HTV
can only enter cities after 8pm (they are prohibited to enter the city during
day time to avoid compounding the traffic congestion). So, when the HTV
can enter the city, the train stations do not receive nor deliver goods, as they
are closed and only a skeletal staff is maintained. As such, trains that carry a
large volume of goods will transfer them to numerous small vehicles for
inland or onward dispatch, instead of using an HTV for a long haul and
higher capacity which is also more economical. Thus, the selected railway
stations should operate for the extended hours or even 24 hours over five-
day /seven-day periods, so that goods can be transferred to an HTV.
Development Consider the development of a Self-Collection Lockers system to facilitate Ministry of
of a Self- smaller e-commerce parcels: Communications
Collection
lockers system • Develop a Concept Note on the Self Collection Lockers system.
• Establish the technical standards for the self-collection lockers to
ensure inter-operability
• Launch the National Lockers Program and pilot in Tier-1 cities and
expand nation-wide.
• Designating strategically located drop-off and self-collection points
can be encouraged
These initiatives cannot be undertaken unless Cash on Delivery services are
reduced to a minimal level.
See also Box 6.
Establishing Set up of specific partnership agreements between shopkeepers, carriers Industry
Freight Quality and other stakeholders aimed at improving the efficiency of last mile associations
Partnerships services. Freight Quality Partnerships aim to bring together both public and
private-sector parties involved in freight transport and logistics to discuss
problems and identify and implement solutions.
Establishing Contributes to the reduction of freight traffic circulating within a target area by Provincial
Urban promoting the consolidation of cargo shipments at one or more urban Governments
Consolidation/ terminals;
Logistics
Centres in • Carriers that would normally make separate trips to the target area
major cities with low load factors, transfer their loads to a neutral carrier that
consolidates the cargo and manages the last leg of the deliveries;
• Shipments are supplied to a strategically located warehouse instead
of multiple vehicles making individual direct deliveries to receivers
within urban centres; and
• Shipments are usually consolidated to maximise vehicle utilisation
on the "last mile" and make a reduced number of deliveries at
agreed times during the day.
Designate HTV Support the creation of suitable lorry parking and driver rest facilities in Provincial
Parking Areas accordance with local and wider needs that may also remove inconvenient Governments
and Truck parking of HTV vehicles in residential or sensitive areas.
Stops
27
Box 6. The Federated Locker

The logistics service providers serving the e-commerce
market-places operate the consolidation or the
distribution centres. The fleet of trucks or vans collect
the goods and drive to the drop-off points. The goods
are put in the lockers, or satellite storage facility
(shops). The recipient receives a notification and can
use the mobile phone and a Quick Response (QR)
scan to open the digital lock to collect the items. In this
way, the deliveries do not need to go to individual final
destinations, which is a wasted trip when the individual
is not at home. This concept is already being
experimented in some developed and have already
conducted trials on this concept, such as “Swipbox” in
Denmark or “Federated Locker” in Singapore.
To implement a self-collection lockers initiative, there
must be a coordinated effort by the public sector with
the participation of the private sector. The government
will conduct consultations with the locker operators, merchants, e-commerce companies and the logistics service
providers to develop a Concept Paper. Establishment of technical standards for the purpose will be of paramount
importance. The technical standards would describe the physical dimensions of the locker, how they can be opened and
locked, and the data exchange standard so that logistics service providers can quickly check the availability of lockers in
a location; even if the lockers are owned by different locker operators the technical standards are to provide an
interoperable system to better manage demand, supply and capacity. The government may National Lockers Program to
the pilot locations in high the footfall areas (e.g. post offices and malls) in the Tier-1 cities. Once this program gains
traction, the program can be expanded to cover the Tier-2 and the Tier-3 cities. The government may also conduct the
feasibility of using the drones for the urban deliveries. As the drones can also be used for the spying and the surveillance
activities, so the licenses will have to be issued after the requisite due diligence; the license will be restricted for the
logistics applications.

Develop Develop designated routes for trucks in specified streets to avoid HTV traffic Provincial
designated in residential areas. This is supported by the implementation of coordinated Governments and
routes for route navigation e.g. using ITS systems to optimise the delivery routes and Ministry of
freight timings. Communications
Consider usage of initiatives for the intelligent use of road space, optimised
signalling and automation, with a particular focus on the road network within
urban centres, including exploring new technologies.
Promotion of Work with the public and private sector to reduce lorry and van movements Ministry of
greener freight in urban areas by identifying and developing a series of ‘green’ projects with Planning,
in urban areas a view to preserving the liveability of city centres and reduce the negative Development and
externalities produced by freight vehicles in terms of emissions, noise and Special Initiatives
safety. Options are:
Provincial Planning
• Promotion of low emission delivery vehicles and concepts, by and Development
developing restricted zones and operating hours with the exception Departments
of clean vehicles
• Identify and implement opportunities to encourage accelerated
uptake of low emissions vehicles and operational practices.
• Address the requirement for alternative fuels infrastructure as part
of wide development planning policies.
• Explore cleaner alternatives for ‘last mile’ logistics and courier type
services (for example, electric and cycling logistics).
• Encourage local freight/logistics operators to adopt cleaner engines
including retrofitting equipment that will improve fuel efficiency.
28
5.7. Rural Transport

Lead
Action Description implementer
Attract and Establish a hub-and-spoke mechanism for rural logistics, with prioritized Provincial
facilitate rural maintenance for the core routes and road-side facilities for loading- and unloading. Governments
logistics Smaller warehousing facilities, potentially temperature-controlled, should be
considered at those locations that can act as a hub.
Establish Establish collection points at strategic location for collection and repacking of Provincial
collection freight in rural areas for bulk transport to the main distribution networks. Government
points
Utilize the Consider utilizing the extensive Pakistan Post network of around 12,000 post Pakistan Post
Pakistan Post offices in the rural areas. This is an asset that can be capitalized upon as the pick-
network up points in the rural areas of the country. The partnerships with the private
enterprises, such as e-commerce logistics firms and other logistics service
providers should be encouraged to establish the urban-rural deliveries network.
The private enterprises can focus on the urban distribution but outsource the rural
deliveries to the Pakistan Post; such an arrangement will help optimise the load
balance for the urban-rural deliveries.
5.8. Horizontal: Enabling Governance Structure

Establish the Approve the formation of the Pakistan Courier and Logistics Regulatory Ministry of
Pakistan Courier Authority (PCLRA) and develop the charter for PCLRA Communications
and Logistics
Regulatory • Once established, PCLRA would regulate and standardize the
Authority logistics sector.
• The leadership in PCLRA will develop the charter for the
authority and develop industry regulations on the courier and
logistics industry, covering areas such as facilitation of logistics
industry, safeguarding industry operators and service
providers’ interests, inculcating efficiency in the logistics
system through process and regulatory interventions and
drafting rules, regulations and standards for the industry.
• Carefully draft its rules with a view to promoting e-commerce
and e-logistics and to establish stability, transparency and
standardisation in the system in consultation with all players,
such as e-commerce portals, electronic retailers, courier
operators etc.
• Select the Board of Directors of PCLRA and appoint the key
office bearer (e.g. Chairperson, Director General) and
establish PCLRA Fund
• Amend the Rules of Business to cover the role of the Pakistan
Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority, covering the
Charter and oversight of the logistics industry.
Develop the Develop the Logistics Industry Transformation Plan in consultation with PCLRA
Logistics Industry the public sector and the business community. The plan provides a
Transformation Plan development strategy that covers the areas described in this policy and
other sector-specific incentives, such organization of awareness,
promotion and business-to-business activities for Pakistan logistics
companies within the country and in overseas destinations. The
Transformation Plan will further operationalize the actions described in
this policy.
Continue and Implement and prioritize the development of the Pakistan Single Federal Board of
prioritize the Window. In process of adopting the Pakistan Single Window, streamline Revenue
development of the processes covering the customs clearance procedures, including
Pakistan Single the statutory regulatory orders (SRO’s) and rationalize the tax
Window and structures accompanying those.
simplify the
Customs clearance
procedures
29

Promote REIT for Encourage multiple channels of private-sector investment fund Ministry of
financing particularly the application of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to Commerce
infrastructure finance logistics infrastructure, particularly of warehousing.
Computerize Land Land registry shall computerize all records of ownership titles to support Provincial Board of
Registry land acquisitions and transfer. Revenue
Departments.
Review the Review the inadvertent consequences from the withholding tax on gross Federal Board of
withholding tax on turnover of freight forwarders. The gross turnover contains ‘pass- Revenue
gross turnover of through’ charges.
freight forwarders
Continue the Continue the improvement processes to facilitate registration of new Federal Board of
improvement for business, including the harmonization of the tax number identification Revenue
registration of new
business
Preferential Seek to promote and offer preferential loan and financing to logistics Ministry of
financing for companies. Logistics is to be recognized as a qualified ‘industry’ that is Commerce
logistics companies entitled to business loans at preferential interests. This will stimulate
greater private-sector ability to invest and reinvest in the industry.
Accept insurance Consider recognizing and accepting Insurance Guarantees as a Federal Board of
guarantees as customs guarantee in lieu of bank guarantees. The approval for use of Revenue
customs guarantee insurance guarantees can be made conditional based on history and
track record of the respective logistics operators.
Publish schedule of Publish Schedule of Fees and Issue Receipts to Combat Corruption. An Pakistan Courier
fees official schedule of fees and tariffs for different charges and fees that and Logistics
are payable by logistics service providers should be published and Regulatory
made easily accessible so that the information is transparent. Authority
Align and develop Align and develop the logistics statistics concerning all relevant aspects Ministry of
logistics statistics of logistics. This will be incorporated in the National Transport Data Communications /
Observatory and support public and private sector in decision making. Pakistan Bureau of
The statistics will cover the modal share, vehicle fleet, freight tonnage Statistics
carried by transport mode (%), service frequency, origin destination,
turn around and clearance times, time and distance, reliability and costs
of travel, export/import by good and location, etc.
5.9. Horizontal: E-Logistics

Promote supply Promote supply chain management and automation technologies such as Federal Board of
chain innovative robotic sorting solutions, automated sorting systems, Radio Revenue
management and Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) Tags that incorporate data
automation analysis, cloud computing, intelligent terminals and image processing
technology technologies in order to shorten delivery time. Automation is essential to
efficiently process bigger volumes.
Tax incentives may be considered as labour cost is low in Pakistan, so the
industry has little incentive to automate systems with current tax regime.
Equal status for Amend laws and procedures to give electronic documents the same status Ministry of Law &
electronic as signed, physical documents. Justice
documents
30

Reduce cash on Promote and offer incentives to customers that do not use cash on delivery E-retailing and
delivery logistics operators
• Innovative modes of payment such as prepaid debit/credit cards
and mobile and electronic wallets should be incentivised.
Conventional products such as debit and credit cards may be of
limited use because of weak financial inclusion in the country.
• Card Not Present transactions may be used as alternative
arrangement but comprehensive deliberation is essential in this
regard because their high risk may outweigh the benefits.
• Banks will have to enable the innovative modes of payment and
the electronic retailers will have to offer sales promotions for the
customers who do not opt for Cash on Delivery
Promote nation- Promote an equal nation-wide operation to ensure operators cover the E-Logistics
wide operations whole of the country. E-logistics operators need to keep pace with current Operators
growth in e-commerce activity; they need to reconfigure existing
infrastructure and invest in the new one in order to target new geographic
markets; currently, the demand for e-logistics is reaching to geographic
areas where e-logistics operators do not operate.
Facilitate reverse Facilitate in the rules and regulations the reverse logistics. Reverse e- E-Logistics
logistics logistics need to be established in order to facilitate customers for returns, Operators
warranties and guarantees.
Establish Establishing Delivery Networks for E-Commerce Goods: Promote E-Logistics
Delivery developing networks of “pick up and drop off points”, where the receiver Operators
Networks for E- can choose to have e-commerce deliveries made to a convenient location,
Commerce such as at convenience stores. The rapid growth of internet trading has
Goods encouraged an expansion in ‘white van’ delivery services that add to local
traffic volumes that are often inefficient in terms of the goods they carry
(individual deliveries of very light packets). The private sector is beginning
to identify solutions to this dilemma.
5.10. Horizontal: Transit Trade Facilitation

Develop the Develop the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) system in Pakistan. This Federal Board of
Authorized needs to be encouraged and will strongly facilitate business. Furthermore, the Revenue
Economic AEO system has an additional value, if the list of qualified operators is also
Operator exchanged with the neighbouring countries and/or key trading partners. Mutual
recognition of the AEO can reduce the time and cost of cross-border trade for all
modes of transport.
Adoption of Consider adoption of smart seals with integrated GPS/GIS to monitor transit Federal Board of
smart seals movements. The use of the intelligent technologies, such as smart seals allow Revenue
customs to ensure the goods remain in the truck compartment and allows real-
time monitoring of the truck journey. If the truck deviates from the permitted
route, the system is integrated with a Geographical Information System that
alerts the customs officers.
Exchange Conduct bilateral exchange of custom data with Afghanistan to enable risk- Federal Board of
custom based assessment of transit trade. The transit goods have to be carried in a Revenue
data with bonded manner. To do this more effectively, information is important. Customs
Afghanistan administrations from trading countries should exchange bilateral data so that
relevant authorities can monitor the flow of goods and analyse trends to identify
any suspicious activities. This also paves the way for pre-arrival declaration of
goods, giving customs officials more time to conduct risk-based assessments
instead of initiating customs controls only when the truck arrives at the border.
Assess the Examine the feasibility of adopting Passage du Carnet system for temporary Ministry of
Passage du admission of commercial vehicles. A common concern is that the freight and Communications /
Carnet sometimes even vehicles declared for transit are sold inside Pakistan. To Federal Board of
system for address this, the Carnet du Passage system can be considered. This Revenue
temporary international customs document simplifies temporary admission of commercial
admission vehicles. The Afghan Ministry of Transport is also considering this system.
of vehicles
31

Adopt a Adopt a road pass quota system for limited rights for both Afghan and Pakistan Ministry of
temporary operators to reduce transloading of goods at border between vehicles in the Communications
road pass absence of a complete APTTA agreement. This means granting a limited
quota number of road pass to qualified Afghan operators (e.g. TIR Holders) to deliver
system goods to the Wagah border, while it is requested that Afghanistan grants limited
facilitating rights to Pakistan operators to Shirkhan Bandar. This can reduce the number of
transit transloading of goods.
rights
Modernize Modernize border crossing points, in continuation of the existing ADB project to Federal Board of
border modernize the border crossing, with a view to focus on transit goods. Revenue
crossing
points • Consider expanding and developing Ghulam Khan border crossing
point, focussed on transit trade as an alternative to Torkham.
• Implement TIR parks and smart gate system to ease the congestion at
Torkham, and replicate this to other BCPs if successful
• General considerations for all major boarding crossing points:
o Segregate cargo and passenger traffic at border,
o Using truck scanners to conduct inspection, instead of
frequent physical loading and unloading,
o Institute Smart Gates and TIR system to notify drivers only
when their queue is up, so that they can park the trucks at
proper truck parking space away but near to BCPs,
o Harmonize the BCP operation hours with neighbouring
countries
o Reduce the number of police checkpoints between the two
BCPs that slows down the traffic but conduct surveillance with
the CCTVs and perimeter fencing
o Create Green Lanes for the movement of perishables, or allow
this for the TIR trucks at the minimal so that the TIR operators
can cross with minimal hindrances
Install Install and operate truck scanners at border crossing points to examine Federal Board of
Truck compartment contents without the need for full physical examination. The Revenue
scanners at principle here is to adopt risk-based management and a greater application of
border non-intrusive technologies to allow tax and customs officers to conduct their
crossing duties yet create less friction in the transit movement.
points
Incentivize Incentivize transit trade at Gwadar so that it can attract cargo and operators, Ministry of
transit trade Commerce /
at Gwadar • Designate Gwadar seaport special status as the gateway for Central Ministry of
Asian transit trade Planning,
• Construct and operate bonded bulk storage and handling facilities in Development and
Gwadar seaport and Special Economic Zone Special Initiatives
• Reduce time to obtain a trans-shipment permit by simplifying the
procedures, particularly for multimodal shipments
• Amend WeBoC to be able to handle the multimodal shipments.
• Consider to extend simplified transit regime to the Central Asian
Republics. Currently, the seaport already has favourable financial
incentives such as 3 months free storage period.
• Commission a Feasibility Study on ‘Gwadar+4’ Air Hop Strategy with
Central Asian Republics, within a 4 hours flight radius, an aircraft can
leave Gwadar and arrive at the capital cities of the Central Asian
Republics. This air hop would overcome the cumbersome road
transportation problem. By working a through air-sea freight rate,
Gwadar can attract goods from the Central Asian Republics to use the
air freight to Gwadar, and then re-export to the other international
destinations. This strategy can be implemented in the short term and
focuses on the high value horticultural products (e.g. cherries, saffron)
from the Central Asia
There is a window of opportunity now due to the international sanctions against
Iran; international shippers are reluctant to use the Iranian seaports. Dubai
seaports are more costly and the business environment remains tough there.
This is the right opportunity for Pakistan to close the gap with the regional
competitors and attract traffic to Gwadar, including the transit business.
32

Improve Improve clearance procedures and release of trucks and cargoes within 24 Prime Minister’s
clearance hours from the Ports and Border operations Office
procedures
• Issue a Directive to release all trucks/cargoes within 24 hours
• Establish a pre-clearance system is setup in Pakistan, to release all
pre-cleared trucks/cargoes within 2 hours.
• In the long term, all shipments should be cleared within 2 hours for
instance, if they meet certain conditions.
• Establish a watchdog to evaluate and monitor the clearance and cargo
release time issued in Prime Minister’s Directive
Through Provide a through-fare service for road-rail service connecting Gwadar and Ministry of Railways
fare for Karachi and Central Asian Republics (one fare for multimodal shipment) to / Pakistan Railways
road-rail facilitate bulk commodities from Central Asian Republics. This includes key
service to export products cotton and aluminium from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and
Central minerals and energy items exports from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Asian
Republics
Continue Continue simplifying visa application procedures and consider reduce Visa Fees Ministry of Foreign
simplifying for transit trade. Affairs
visa
application
5.11. Horizontal: International Conventions, Standards and Agreements

Revive Revive Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA, 2010) to Ministry of
APTTA facilitate trade with Central Asian Republics and minimize trans-loadings, Commerce
particularly from Jalalabad and Shirkhan Bandar border.
Accede to Review and consider accession to following International Maritime Ministry of Maritime
several Organization Conventions and Protocols: Affairs
international
Maritime • Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the
Protocols Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol
of 1978 relating thereto, as amended (MARPOL PROT 1997)
• International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution
Damage, 2001 (BOPD 2001)
• International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling
Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001)
• International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’
Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (SBWS 2004)
• International Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime
Traffic, 1965 as amended (FAL – 1965)
Accede to Review and consider accession to following Customs Conventions: Federal Board of
several Revenue
customs • Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Commercial Road
conventions Vehicles (1956)
• Customs Convention on Containers (1972)
• International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Control of
Goods (1982)
Revisit TIR Revisit TIR rules and regulations taking into account current practice and Federal Board of
rules and amend the rules to incorporate any lessons learned from the first years of Revenue
regulations operations and adoption of CMR convention.
33

Implement Implement CMR Convention Ministry of
CMR Communications
Convention • Enactment of International Carriage of Goods by Road Bill, 2019 to
implement CMR acceded by Government of Pakistan
• Arrange issue of standardized CMR Waybill for use by road
transporters of Pakistan.
• Arrange issue of CMR cargo insurance policy
• Arrange issue of third-party liability insurance for foreign vehicles
• Establish structure of Transit Fee for foreign vehicles transiting
Pakistan
• Organize a ‘Caravan’ to pilot transit transportation:
Revise the Review and enact the Carriage of Goods by Road Bill, 2013 by all Provincial Provincial
domestic Assemblies to regulate the domestic carriage of goods by road and replace the Governments
carriage act Carriers Act, 1865. It is necessary for the same bill to be enacted by all the
provinces to maintain uniformity of domestic road transport legislation
throughout the country.
Consider Consider and assess the feasibility to accede to the International Carriage of Ministry of
accession Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) convention. This convention is to ensure Communications
to ADR safety in the transportation of chemicals, gases and hazardous materials,
components, radioactive materials. Reviews of existing federal legislation,
such as OGRA dangerous goods rules, and the Dangerous Cargoes Act,
1953, may provide some insight into Pakistan’s preparedness to incorporate
this major international convention.
Publish list Publish the list of acceded conventions, standards and bilateral/multilateral Ministry of Foreign
of acceded agreements on a public website of the Government Affairs
conventions
5.12. Horizontal: Information Technology

Promote Facilitate and define an incentive structure to implement Electronic Data Federal Board of
Electronic Interchange (EDI) to allow for improved track and trace, reliability and Revenue
Data predictability of shipments. This also enables Just in Time shipments. The role of
Interchange the Pakistan Single Window and WeBoC can support this facility.
Consider establishment of national EDI guidelines.
Promote the Promote and seek innovation with the usage of Blockchain in Freight and Ministry of
use of Logistics industry. The blockchain can help significantly reduce cash realization Communications
blockchain cycle, cut transaction and administrative costs, increase LCL inefficiency by
better consolidation of cargo and decreasing empty and partial loads, decrease
temperature variation in cold-chain logistics and help track the cargo.
• Blockchain can be applied to trade finance. There are multiple parties
such as shippers, carriers, regulators, banks, insurance companies,
importers etc, and a multitude of documents such as commercial
invoice and shipping documents. The use of Blockchain in trade finance
can greatly enhance the efficiency of supply chain finance.
• Blockchain can be used in the food supply chain. As consumers
become increasingly sophisticated, they need to know the origin of the
production, the processes from ‘farm to fork’ which will provide
transparency of the entire supply chain.
• Blockchain can be applied to land registry for titles, enables the title of
the land to be recorded on a transparent basis that remains free from
any tampering.
Artificial Consider use of Artificial Intelligence for pre-clearance of shipments by Customs Federal Board of
Intelligence and other Border Control Agencies. This can enhance the quality of the checking Revenue
for pre- and determination for the green or red channel.
Clearance
34

Develop Improvement in WeBoC to enable it to process multimodal shipments, in Federal Board of
multimodal particular in line with the TIR convention Revenue
logistics in
WeBoC
Stimulate Stimulate innovation by considering launching a LogTech fund jointly with private Ministry of
innovation sector associations to promote the adoption of EDI, ERP, Logistics Information Communications
by Systems, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, etc. to process
launching a and facilitate logistics supply chain and accompanying transactions.
LogTech
fund • Establish the selection criteria
• Describe the application procedure
• Define the list of technologies to be supported
• List the financial support mechanisms (e.g. tax credit)
In addition, the government shall also explore a grant or subsidy program to
promote logistics information systems such as warehouse management system,
transport management system and freight management system. The self-
sustaining LogTech may be developed. The LogTech fund will establish the
selection criteria, application procedure and the list of approved technologies.
The financial support mechanism includes co-financing, low interest long term
loans or tax credits.
5.13. Horizontal: Capacity Building

Designate Designate National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Ministry of Federal
NAVTTC for as the apex agency for logistics capacity building. In terms of Accreditation, Education and
Logistics Certification and Standards, the NAVTTC shall be the primary organisation to Professional
Capacity serve as the regulatory authority on capacity building matters. Training
Building
Include setting up a Freight and Logistics Advisory Council to advise NAVTTC
on the industry matters related on capacity building. It is necessary for the
business practitioners to provide technical guidance and inputs to NAVTTC
on capacity building matters. Membership will comprise private sector
business leaders and office-bearers of transport and logistics associations.
Conduct a Conduct a national Training Needs Analysis on Logistics Industry. NAVTTC National Vocational
Training with the advice of Advisory Council, shall embark on a national training needs & Technical Training
Needs assessment focusing on the freight and logistics industry. Commission
Assessment
The training needs assessment identifies existing and new skills required by
the industry, including existing courses in the market, identification of the gaps
and issues related to capacity building needs
Repeated surveys can be considered to be conducted in all provinces and
territories to collect up-to-date data on the logistics industry. The aggregated
survey findings could then be published and served as a reference point to
inform future policy making.
Develop the Develop the National Vocational Qualification Framework for Logistics. Core National Vocational
National skills in the field will be defined and related training will be designed and & Technical Training
Vocational imparted (e.g. procurement, inventory management, transportation, Commission
Qualification distribution, warehousing, freight forwarding etc). Each core skill has a list of
Framework unit of competencies that defines a specific skill or know-how. The logistics
National Vocational Qualification Framework can then serve as a reference
model for launching new courses, or assessing individual logistics expertise in
interviews, examinations or career progression.
Establish Award Accredited Training Organization to those organizations that meet the National Vocational
Accredited quality standards and deliver the capacity building programs. NAVTTC can & Technical Training
Training designate Accredited Training Organizations where the courses qualify for Commission
Organizations government grants or incentives.
35

Design and Design and Setup a Training Development Fund to support capacity building. National Vocational
Setup a This can be done in various ways such as (1) Direct subsidies to accredited & Technical Training
training training organizations for qualified courses, (2) Logistics Scholarships and Commission
development Book Prizes, (3) Tax credit to companies.
fund
Support set Support Centres of Excellence in Universities to strengthen industry- Ministry of Federal
up Centres of academia linkages to attract talent to the industry and can serve as a platform Education and
Excellence to connect industry and academic institutions in each province. For example, Professional
Bahria University with its association to National Institute of Maritime Affairs Training
can serve as the centre of excellence for seaports and international shipping.
Fostering international partnerships and linkages with reputable universities
and colleges is also beneficial.
Attract Attracting professionals, outside of logistics, to enter the logistics industry by National Vocational
professionals launching a Strategic Manpower Conversion Program (SMCP) to deliver & Technical Training
future work and drive innovation. The SMCP is providing a strategic training Commission
programme. NAVTTC, accredited training organizations and the centres of
excellence can perform job match-making. These candidates undergo an
introductory conversion course by accredited training organization and then
work part-time at an assigned logistics company. Upon completion of the
conversion program, the company and individual discuss options to continue
employment with the company.
Capacity Conduct capacity building for government staff working in Ministries and National Vocational
building for Authorities related to logistics. The capacity building programs related to & Technical Training
Government Freight and Logistics should be facilitated by relevant Government Ministries Commission
staff and Department dealing with Freight and Logistics both at Federal and
provincial level, highways and Motorway personnel along with Trade bodies
and associations.
Expand and Expand and develop courses to cover transport of dangerous goods via all National Vocational
develop modes of transport. Consider the existing training and certification for & Technical Training
courses for Handling of Dangerous Goods by Air that is available in Pakistan. In addition, Commission
handling to the Defensive Driving course, Vocational training should be made
dangerous mandatory for drivers training on Health Safety Security & Environment
goods (HSSE) Inspection with elementary first aid to cater Occupational Health and
Safety which is major requirement of Industrial sector.
Improve and Improve and enhance the driver training in line with the driver licensing Ministry of
enhance guidelines and adopt this within the various governments and the private Communications
driver vocational training institutes in order to inculcate professionalism and promote
training employment generation.
Update Update the syllabus for Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) license to cover National Highways &
driving Defensive Driving Course and Health Safety Security Environment as well. Motorways Police,
handbook Provincial Traffic
and licenses Update the Road Safety Handbook and must highlight use of reflectors and Police.
lash cargo in accordance with the pre-defined standards, using tools and
equipment for safety of cargo such as belts, chains, ropes and mandatory
signs.
36
6. Implementation, Monitoring and

Evaluation
The Ministry of Communications is vested with the responsibility to act as the secretariat of the NFLP to track
the implementation progress. The NFLP Steering Committee and the Working Group, with representation
across the Federal and Provincial Governments and Industry, will act as the main discussion forum to monitor
progress and review the progress and developments of NFLP and provide advice and guidance if necessary.
In progressing the NFLP, it will be considered as reporting progress towards achieving the National Transport
Policy 2018.
Since logistics is a cross-cutting mode, it will invariably influence and be influenced by the multiple stakeholders,
both in the public and the private sectors. The implementation of the actions shall be done in a consultative
manner, including all relevant stakeholders. These include, but are not limited to:
• Public sector includes all ministries, authorities, departments, agencies, commissions and centres at
both Federal and Provincial level.
• Private sector, including the associations, chambers, co-operatives and targeted private enterprises.
• Non-government and development organizations that provide technical and financial assistance
• Academia
The Ministry of Communications shall provide a six-month progress update to all concerned stakeholders
confirming the status of actions, revisions required, and further steps achieved. The progress towards achieving
the objectives and targets shall be measured utilizing the Logistics Performance Indicators of the World Bank
and the CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring Data. In addition, the statistics published
by the to be established National Transport Data Observatory and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, with additional
studies carried out will be used to monitor specific progress.
The Ministry of Communications, in consultation with the stakeholders, may revise and amend the NFLP from
time to time to reflect new priorities and insights in the logistics sector.
37
Annex A. Implementation Matrix

A.1. Road Transport
Key Performance
Action Description Lead Implementor Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Revise Trucking Review and revise the Trucking Policy 2007 with a Ministry of Industries Ministry of Commerce, National Trucking Policy 2020
Policy view to provide effective actions to develop, operate and Production and Highway Authority, National 2020 to be
and maintain a modern vehicle fleet in Pakistan Ministry of Transport Research Centre, Industry approved by
Communications Associations Cabinet
Establish a Truck Develop in consultation with the Industry a truck fleet Ministry of Industries Ministry of Commerce, National Vehicle Fleet 2020
Renewal renewal programme to modernize the fleet in line with and Production and Highway Authority, National Renewal (design)
Programme international standards by providing incentives to the Ministry of Transport Research Centre, Industry Programme
Industry for modern vehicles and setting a sunset Communications Associations implemented 2024
clause for older vehicles. (completed)
Adopt WP29 Endorse the adoption of WP29 and notify the Pakistan Standards and Ministry of Communications, Ministry WP29 adopted 2020
stakeholders Quality Regulatory of Industries and Production, National
Authority Highway Authority, National
Transport Research Centre,
Engineering Development Board
Recognize semi- Setup independent registry for semi-trailer and classify Ministry of Ministry of Industries and Production, Semi-trailers 2021
trailers as them as transport vehicle. Communications Pakistan Standards and Quality recognized as
transport vehicle Control Authority, National Transport transport vehicle
Research Centre, Provincial
Governments
Update and Adopt and implement model Road Safety Act, which Ministry of National Highway Authority, National Updated 2021
harmonize updates Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, Communications and Highways and Motorways Police, Provincial Motor
legislation across all provinces and territories, with a view to Provincial Transport National Transport Research Centre; Vehicle Ordinance
cover all types of vehicles, and harmonize rules, Departments Pakistan Standards and Quality 1965 Section 42
procedures and the safety standards applicable to Control Authority; Provincial and
ensure roadworthiness and safe transportation to avoid Regional Road Agencies
accidents and unnecessary road maintenance.
This will include the latest road safety act and define
vehicle age limits and vehicle fitness requirements,
decommissioning of over-aged vehicles, registration of
prime mover, as well as chassis and tank lorry, specify
the registration procedure for non-standard
38
Key Performance
delivery/transport vehicles, and harmonize weigh
limits.
This should use international standards and
benchmarking with International Road Union (IRU) in
order to let the Pakistani trucks smoothly transit in
neighbouring countries.
Enforce drivers’ Enforce Drivers’ Registration, in line with the Driver Provincial Traffic Police Ministry of Communications; Drivers’ 2020
registration and Licensing Guidelines from Ministry of Communications, Provincial Transport Departments; Registration
training where drivers’ training and licensing documents be in Industry Associations Procedure
both English, Urdu and provincial languages, if
needed.
Revise and Revise and enhance the regulation of the tyre and Ministry of National Transport Research Centre, Updated 2020
enhance lubricants used for cargo transport, utilizing Section 74 Communications, Industry Associations; Provincial and Provincial Motor
regulation of tyre of Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 Provincial Transport Regional Road Agencies; Vehicle Ordinance
and lubricants Departments 1965, Section 74
This will include disposal of disposal of used tyre and
lubricants, along with the spare parts to avoid reuse
and the environmental hazards.
Improve, Improve the licensing procedure for the Heavy Provincial Traffic Police, National Highway Authority, Industry Criteria outlined 2020
Licensing and Transport Vehicle (HTV) in line with the guidelines for National Highways & Associations for licensing
regulation of vehicle licensing and enforce vehicle manufacturing Motorways Police, procedure for
Heavy Transport standards. Provincial Transport Heavy Transport
Vehicle Departments Vehicle
Enforcement of Re-enforce the axle load regime but offering necessary Ministry of Ministry of Commerce, National Axle Load Regime 2021
axle load regime transition period before a rigid enforcement. GoP may: Communications Highway Authority, National implemented
Transport Research Centre,
• Conduct more consultations with major users of Provincial Transport Departments,
road freight (e.g. cement, sugar, fertilizers) on the Provincial Traffic Police; Provincial
transition time to full implementation of axle load and Regional Road Agencies;
regime Industry Associations;
• Publish transition lead times and the formal
implementation date after taking into
consideration all the inputs of stakeholders
• Define the set of penalties for violations after the
implementation date.
• Develop alternative transport solutions for areas
that do not have alternative mode of transport
Permit bonded Permit bonded warehouse facility for imported Federal Board of Ministry of Communications, Ministry Bonded 2021
warehouse facility vehicles, prime movers and trailers to encourage Revenue of Commerce, Ministry of Industries Warehouses
international trade and Production
39
Key Performance
for imported
vehicles
Set Vehicle Enforce and enhance national regulations for Pakistan Standards and Ministry of Communications, Ministry National 2021
standards Manufacturing and Assessment of locally produced Quality Control Authority of Commerce, National Highway Regulations
transport vehicles, chassis and trailers. These Authority, National Transport notified and
standards are important to ensure the road-safety. In Research Centre, Engineering standards set
addition, it is also imperative to enforce the inspections Development Board, Ministry of
to certify the road worthiness of the vehicle, chassis Industries and Production
and trailers before commissioning operations on the
road.
Define Liabilities For domestic transport, define liabilities for road freight Ministry of National Highway Authority, National National Limit 2020
for road freight in case of loss, damage or delay during road transport. Communications Transport Research Centre, Liabilities
For the international transport, the CMR Convention Provincial Transport Departments, Regulation for
implementation will help address the issue because it Industry Associations Road Carriers
amply defines the liabilities.
CMR Road-Map
Develop National Define, enforce and promote national Road Ministry of Provincial Transport Departments, Road 2020
Road Consignment Note for domestic shipment where Communications National Transport Research Centre Consignment Note
Consignment Note details of liability and responsibility of the carrier and
the shipper should be defined along with the
compensation in case of loss, damage of delay.
Preferably these Road Consignment Note may be
aligned with the CMR (International Road Convention).
This will replace the different formats of ‘bilty’.
Develop Road- Construct a national network of the road-side National Highway Ministry of Communications, TIR Parks and 2022
side infrastructure amenities to offer proper resting place for the long-haul Authority, Provincial and Provincial Transport Departments road side
drivers, particularly in places like Baluchistan and at Regional Road Agencies amenities for long-
key junctions such as Sibi and Speizend where such haul road transport
amenities are lacking, with the consideration to
encourage private investment to construct and operate
the amenities after procurement by government, These
can support the trade routes with the region
Issue Project- Simplify the process to obtain permit for transporting National Highway Ministry of Communications, Karachi Simplified Permit 2021
Cargo Permit at over-sized project cargo by issuing the permission at Authority, Provincial and Port Trust, Qasim Port Authority, Procedure
international international gateways, in particular at the ports, for the Regional Road Agencies Gwadar Port Authority
gateways complete route. This will enhance and expedite
delivery times significantly, rather than current practice
with vehicles on standby for days.
40
Key Performance
Implement Road Improve road asset management, through private National Highway Ministry of Planning, Development Trial Managing 2021
Asset sector development, in line with best industry practices Authority, Provincial and and Special Initiatives, Provincial Agency Contracts
Management and contemporary trends. Regional Road Agencies Planning and Development carried out
Departments
Enhance Data Collection, modelling and analysing road transport data National Transport Provincial Governments, Pakistan Available statistics 2021
Collection and statistics including data related to road asset Research Centre, Bureau of Statistics online
management and road safety Ministry of Planning,
Development and
Special Initiatives
Improve Fuel Develop and set a programme to improve fuel standards OGRA Ministry of Communications, Ministry Euro 6 standard 2025
quality with a view to reach Euro 6 compliant standards. A of Industries and Production, Ministry adopted
phased programme, in consultation with the refineries of Petroleum, Ministry of Climate
shall be established. Change / Environment Agency,
Provincial Environment Departments
/ Agencies.
Review of import The import duty on the Complete Knock Down (CKD) Federal Board of Ministry of Industries and Production, Reviewed duties 2021
duties on vehicles and Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) shall be reviewed Revenue Ministry of Commerce
to encourage the transport sector. Exporters/Importers, Local
manufacturers
Automate, certify Implement automated and integrated weight-bridge Ministry of Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry Automatic and 2022
and standardize system. Communications of Railways, National Highway linked
weigh-bridge Authority, Provincial Governments, weighbridges
• All the weight-bridges should be integrated into Port Authorities
a centralized database that can disseminate
this information to all the border points.
• Certify and standardize weight-bridge system
• Link the weight data across National Highway
Authority, terminal operators and rail
operators, as well as truck operators so that
authorities can access the information
• Weight bridges have to be installed and ensure
that the load transfer between port terminals,
rail and trucks are within the weight limit
permissible.
Permit and promote warehousing and cold-storage Ministry of Industry Associations and Provincial Number of 2024
Establishment of
facilities at strategic locations, to increase the quality of Communications Governments warehouses in the
Warehousing and
the logistics operations, particularly of the perishable country
Cold-storage
goods and enhance the timeliness of the logistics
supply chains
operations
41
A.2. Rail Transport

Key Performance
Improve Upgrade Mainline-1 from Karachi to Peshawar as envisioned under Ministry of Railways Ministry of Planning Higher Freight & 2024
Mainline-1 CPEC to increase capacity and speed of the main route across the Development & Reform, Passenger Traffic
country. Ministry of Finance, Ministry Volumes and more
of Law & Justice. efficient movement
of freight
Develop Develop Havelian Dry Port to allow for transfer of cargo to rail in Khyber Ministry of Railways Ministry of Communications, Dry Port 2024
Havelian Dry Pakhtunkhwa Ministry of Planning, operational
Port Development and Special
Initiatives
Establish Cargo Establish cargo handling facilities at strategic locations across the Ministry of Railways Ministry of Communications Cargo handling 2022
Handling country. In particular, facilities for handling perishable goods will be available at critical
Facilities established to facilitate the cold-storage supply chain. locations
Transform Accelerate the transition of Pakistan Railways Freight Transportation Ministry of Railways Ministry of Finance, Ministry PRFTC formally 2024
Pakistan Company as a commercial entity. Pakistan Railways need institutional of Law & Justice. Ministry of incorporated
Railways to a strengthening and improve service delivery. This requires substantial Planning Development and
commercial investment in the human resource and technology. See Pakistan Reform.
entity Railway Strategic Plan.
Improve feeder The feeder lines to the coal fired power plants shall be established. Ministry of Railways Sindh Government Coal moved by rail 2021
lines for coal Pakistan Railways has envisaged the two additional lines between
and bulk freight Keamari to Lahore to provide a new railway link that will be capable of
transporting freight and coal from Qasim port to the three major power
coal fired power plants in Jamshoro, Karam Dad Qureshi
(Muzaffargarh) and Qadirabad (Sahiwal). A phase-wise coal logistic
and the business plan shall be developed by the Pakistan Railways, in
view of the most realistic requirements of the freight and the coal in
future.
Develop Pipri Extend and upgrade the railway linkages from Pipri Marshalling Yard to Ministry of Railways Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Cargo moved by 2025
Marshalling Yard Karachi Port terminals, exclusively for freight transport to alleviate the Sindh Government, Ministry rail to Pipri from
connection to pressure on the road and enhance the accessibility to the port. This will of Planning, Development Karachi Port
Karachi Port avoid the use of trucks for short distance transfer from port to rail and Special Initiatives terminals
terminals terminal and double handling
Revise the Revise the Railways Laws 1890 to permit private sector participation in Ministry of Railways Pakistan Railways, Ministry Revised Railways 2020
Railways Laws railways terminals, specialized facilities such as silos, bulk storage, of Communications, Ministry Laws 2020
1890 loading and unloading equipment, rolling stocks including wagons and of Industries and Production,
locomotives. Ministry of Commerce,
Ministry of Planning,
Development and Special
Initiatives
42
Key Performance
Setting market Adopt market-driven rail freight tariffs based on the market dynamics Ministry of Railways Industry Associations Dynamic rates 2021
driven rail- and implement a dynamic Revenue Management System for rail cargo implemented
freight tariffs
Extended Extend the operating hours of railway stations that have high freight Pakistan Railways Ministry of Railways, Ministry High traffic railway 2020
operating hours volume for enhanced operations and onward inland distribution, of Communications, Ministry stations identified
particularly along the Karachi-Lahore route, should be extended to of Industries and Production, and hours
permit the transfer of goods between road and rail. Ministry of Commerce, extended
Private Sector
Connect Assess the feasibility to connect rail system to SEZs and other industrial Ministry of Railways Pakistan Railways, Ministry Extended rail to 2028
railways to SEZs parks. Emphasis here is to streamline the first mile and last mile of Communications, Ministry selected areas
and Industrial connectivity. Where possible, rail siding will connect rail terminals at of Industries and Production,
Parks Punjab such as Prem Nagar to the industrial parks to reduce the use of Ministry of Commerce,
trucks. Private Sector
Railway Consider establishing a rail link to Gwadar, once the port and economic Ministry of Railways Pakistan Railways, Ministry Rail link 2035
connectivity to zone has sufficient demand. The feasibility study in this regard was of Communications, Ministry established
Gwadar done in June 2019. of Planning, Development
and Special Initiatives
In particular, Gwadar should have a rail link that connects the nearby
Special Economic Zones and Industrial/Logistics Parks. Port Qasim
deals with commodities and a conveying system that can transfer bulk
commodities such as coal to the nearest rail terminal will be useful.
A.3. Maritime Transport

Key Performance
Improve Expand the Logistics and warehousing facilities at the Karachi Northern Sindh Government, Private sector, National Developed 2022
warehousing Bypass to cater for storage and handling. Ministry of Highway Authority warehousing and
facilities along Communications logistics parks
the Karachi To increase the efficiency of seaports operations focusing on berthing along northern
Northern Bypass and discharge/loading. Storage and handling operations should be bypass
relocated to terminals at the Northern Bypass.
New access road Rehabilitate a new access road to South Asia Port Terminal (SAPT) to Sindh Government Ministry of Communications, New road 2025
to SAPT relieve the frequent congestion caused by trucks queuing outside National Highway Authority, established
Karachi East Wharf and oil tankers parking at Shehreen Jinnah Colony, Ministry of Maritime Affairs,
obstructing trucks moving into SAPT. SAPT, Karachi Port Trust,
Ministry of Planning,
Development and Special
Initiatives
43
Key Performance
Improve gate Improving gate accessibility and control to Karachi Port and Port Karachi Port Trust; Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Entry and Exit time 2021
accessibility to Qasim. To shorten the gate-in and gate-out time, electronic driver and Qasim Port Private sector associations, from Port
Karachi Port and vehicle identification system can be used. Vehicles that are sub- Authority Terminal operators, Sindh
Port Qasim standard should be stopped at the gate. Redesign of the offices can P&D Department
also improve the efficiency of the seaports-road interface. It is
recommended that the office that issues temporary permission for
drivers/vehicles to remain in the seaport expand the outlets, or increase
from the existing 24 hours to a longer time (e.g. 2-3 days). Also, the
port charges offices do not operate 24/7. Either the operating hours be
extended, or an online submission and electronic payment system be
made available to expedite cargo collection. Finally, consider if the
number of gates can be increased at the Karachi Port.
Handling over- Setup one-stop shop to issue permission for over-sized and over- Karachi Port Trust; Ministry of Maritime Affairs; Time to receive 2021
sizes and over- weight cargoes near the ports. To avoid the need to visit multiple offices Qasim Port National Highway Authority permission
weight cargoes and get permission, a one-stop shop centre that can issue such permits Authority; Gwadar extension
to drivers should be established, the road permission to carry Project Port Trust;
Cargo on highways should be issued near the port which is the common
loading station rather than at the first toll station.
For particular over-sized and over-weight cargoes that must be
dismantled and shipped separately, and then re-assembled at final
destination, should be conducted at external container freight station
instead of in the port terminal.
The infrastructure specially road connectivity from port to the economic
zones and logistics parks must be designed in such a way that oversize
project cargo can easily reach at site because there will be Industrial
projects; which require heavy equipment including plant and machinery
which are always out of gauge over size. Also, the heavy equipment’s
and require effective and an efficient road infrastructure from port to the
project site.
Promote Promote the use of FIATA Multimodal Waybills to facilitate seaports- Pakistan Ministry of Communications; Number of 2022
multimodal road multimodal transport. The FIATA FBL and FWB (negotiable and International Freight Pakistan Courier and Waybills used
waybills and non-negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading) should be Forwarders Logistics Regulatory
multimodal promoted. Such documents can reduce two separate documents used Association Authority
transport separately on road and sea into one document that is internationally
operators recognized. This also requires promoting the concept of a Multimodal
Transport Operators (MTO).
44
Key Performance
Reduce Reduce the congestion inside by containers of the ports by streamlining Federal Board of Port Authorities, Ministry of Number of old 2020
congestion the clearance procedures at the Port Revenue Maritime Affairs containers
inside Karachi
Port • Have a higher number of containers “pre-cleared” by customs % of checked
based on the track record of the importers containers
• Hold regular auctions to remove aged or unclaimed containers
from the seaport terminals or explore cost efficient methods to
dispose of such containers
• Consider East Wharf and West Wharf as a single setup for
customs clearance.
Review the Re-examine the statutes that govern the roles and mandates of KPT Ministry of Maritime Ministry of Communications, Review of statutes 2024
statutes of KPT and PQA. Affairs Ministry of Planning, that govern the
and PQA Development and Special roles and
Roles and mandates of the respective port regulators expanded to Initiatives mandates of KPT
include investing in training and upskilling for members of the port and PQA
community
Develop risk Develop a risk assessment and mitigations measures and recovery Ministry of Maritime Ministry of Communications; Conduct risk 2024
assessments procedures to ensure business continuity in the vital Karachi Port and Affairs Ministry of Planning, assessment and
Port Qasim. Development and Special establish
Initiatives measures for
recovery
procedures
Improve access Improve the accessibility to Karachi Port by: Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Updated access 2020
to and from Development and Ministry of Communications, plan to Karachi
Karachi port by • Develop dedicated rail-freight corridor to the Port (see 5.2 Special Initiatives Pakistan Railways; Sindh Port
investing in Railways) P&D Department; Karachi
% of freight moved
multiple modes • Segregate the intra and the inter-city cargo traffic in Karachi Port Trust
from KPT by rail
via the existing and new bypasses (Karachi Southern-bypass,
Northern Bypass, Karachi Freight Corridor, Lyari Expressway)
connecting to N-5, M-9 and M-10.
• Consider and expand the access by construct dual-
carriageway flyovers where users have to pay a toll for its
usage.
• Develop barge solutions to alleviate pressure contributed by
cargo movements on the roads as a stop-gap measure
45
Key Performance
Creation of Dry Consider creation of a dry port between Karachi Port and Port Qasim Ministry of Ministry of Commerce, Identify suitable 2024
Port near Ports Communications Ministry of Planning, locations at the
of Karachi and Development and Special periphery of the
Qasim Initiatives, National Highway Karachi City,
Authority, National Transport followed by
Research Centre development
Ratify and adopt Provide legal cover to Pakistan Merchant Marine Policy 2001 as Ministry of Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan Merchant 2021
Pakistan amended on 15 November 2019 by making necessary amendments in Communications Ministry of Planning, Marine Policy 2001
Merchant Marine Pakistan Merchant Shipping Act 2001, Income Tax Ordinance 2001 Development and Special approved, Income
Policy (PMMP) and Customs Act 1979 along with the Finance Bill 2021 Initiatives. Federal Board of Tax Ordinance
2001 Revenue, Pakistan National 2001 and Customs
Shipping Corporation, Port Act,
Trust and Authorities, 1979 appropriately
Terminal Operators, Private amended
Sector
Second Channel Carry out a feasibility study to create a second channel for Port Qasim Ministry of Maritime Ministry of Communications, Follow through 2021
to Port Qasim to enhance capacity of Qasim port and improve operational Affairs Ministry of Planning, with
performance, in particular considering the LNG terminals Development and Special implementation
Initiatives, Port Qasim plan for proposed
Authority, Ministry of Climate second channel
Change
Increase ship Increase ship-handling capacity catering to larger vessels being Ministry of Maritime Ministry of Communications, Determine capacity 2029
handling deployed by shipping lines Affairs Ministry of Planning, requirement
capacity Development and Special catering to larger
Initiatives, Port Qasim vessels being
Authority deployed by
shipping lines and
establish capacity
upgrading
timelines
Develop long- Develop long-term Port plans on a 30-year horizon considering: Ministry of Maritime Ministry of Communications, Propose 2030
term Port plans Affairs, Ministry of Ministry of Railways, Sindh sustainable
• Future terminal concessions should account for operational Planning, Planning and Development solutions to
needs of shipping alliances rather than specific terminal Development and Department address seaport
operators or shipping lines Special Initiatives capacity-related
• Establishment of new seaport complexes inside and outside challenges such as
of the port areas identifying potential
• Hinterland and maritime connectivity as key drivers cargo and vessel
traffic demand
46
Key Performance
Develop Pursue investment opportunities to drive development of industries that Gwadar Port Ministry of Communications, Review the need 2030
Industries near support generation of local cargo for Gwadar Port Authority Ministry of Maritime Affairs, for export-oriented
Gwadar Port Ministry of Industries and special economic
• Creation of an export-oriented special economic zone Gwadar Production, Ministry of zone adjacent to
adjacent to the seaport Development Commerce and Textile, other the seaport and
• Critical need to generate local cargo to support the seaport on Authority relevant government conduct feasibility
a sustained basis ministries and departments studies to identify
potential site
Reconstruct Reconstruct the Mehran Highway to improve the accessibility to Port Sindh Government, Port Qasim Authority, Reconstructed 2022
Mehran Highway Qasim National Highway Ministry of Maritime Affairs, highway
Authority Ministry of Communications
A.4. Air Transport

Lead Key Performance
Action Description Implementor Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Develop Aero- Develop aero logistics parks inside or adjacent to international airports. Civil Aviation Board of Investment, Ministry Number of Aero 2021
Logistics Parks These parks will house logistics centres, express and courier sorting Authority of Communications Logistics Park
centres and other value-added services.
Freight volume
Such cargo villages should be connected with other modes of and value
transportation, such as road and railways. transported by air
The creation of air logistics park or air cargo village adjacent to the airport
can facilitate air cargo agents and ground handling companies to handle
logistics more efficiently.
Develop Cool- Develop ecosystem for handling of perishable goods at the airport, in Civil Aviation Specialized cold Cold Chain 2022
ports particular establish ‘Cool Ports’ including temperature-controlled Authority chain/logistics operators revenue
warehouses that allow storage and rapid handling of time and
temperature-sensitive items requiring air transport.
Medicine and particular fruits and vegetables may be targeted. The
perishables are an important component of the air freight. These
perishables offer huge export potential for the country. However, a whole
ecosystem has to develop at village level to tap into this potential. The
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should target
ecosystem and supply chain systems for the export of products such as
dairy and horticulture produce.
47

Permit Cargo Permit cargo airlines to fly international routes immediately instead of Civil Aviation Domestic and International Freight volume 2021
Airlines directly waiting for at least 12 months. Authority / Aviation Airlines and value
to fly Division transported by air
internationally
Simplify Simplify the procedure for Trans-shipment Permit (TP) at airports. Federal Board of Civil Aviation Authority, Time to obtain TP 2020
Transhipment Revenue Domestic and International
permit Airlines
Adopt AS9100 Adopt the AS 9100 Standard, which is a quality management system for Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Standard adopted 2021
Standard aerospace and aviation and consider targeting the Maintenance, Repair Standards and Airlines
and Overhaul business at airport operated by qualified logistics Quality Control
companies Authority
Build Transit Build Transit Trade Facilities for e-commerce packets and parcels Civil Aviation Pakistan Post, Ministry of Increase in air 2020
Trade Facilities through Pakistani airports to attract parcels from in particular China. Authority Commerce, Federal Board of cargo volume
China exports huge number of small e-commerce packets and parcels. Revenue
If a fraction of those packets is diverted through Pakistan, the Chinese
e-commerce exporters will be able to realize substantial savings in both
cost and time. Moreover, it will also avert clogging capacity in China,
especially during peak seasons. Pakistan Post and other providers can
play an important role in diverting Chinese e-commerce business
through Pakistan.
Enhance Expand single window to involve air cargo regulatory agencies in order Federal Board of Customs, Anti-Narcotics Number of 2021
Aviation Custom to avoid duplication of procedures. Revenue Force, Airports Security shipments that are
Procedures Force, Police etc. stopped for
checking
Review roles of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is performing the role of an operator, Aviation Division Civil Aviation Authority, Revised and 2022
CAA regulator, developer and revenue collector. CAA operates and develops Airlines restructured CAA
the airports, regulates the airline industry and collects airline related
taxes and charges on behalf of the government. Such an arrangement
not only creates conflict of interest but also impedes growth of airlines
and air freight industry in the country. In order to avoid this arrangement,
CAA Airport Services Department should be separated, and airport
operator’s functions should be performed by private sector.
New and existing airports should be considered for public private
partnership on build-operate-transfer.
Improve quality Ensure that registered handling agencies are well-equipped to cater to Civil Aviation Handling agencies, Airlines NA 2021
handling the cargo needs. Authority
agencies
48
A.5. Inland Waterways Transport

Action Description Implementers Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Develop an IWT Develop an Inland Waterways Transport Master Plan Ministry of Ministry of Number of freight 2021-2026
Master Plan Communications Communications, Ministry tonnage transported
• Phase 1: Develop an integrated IWT terminal at Daud Khel to of Water Resources, by IWT
facilitate road-water transport. WAPDA, Provincial
• Phase 2: Extend IWT from Mianwali to Taunsa Irrigation Departments,
• Phase 3: Extend IWT from Taunsa to Sukkur Ministry of Commerce,
Several hydrological and engineering studies have been performed Ministry of Planning,
indicating that IWT is possible with one key determinant – freight volume. Development and Special
Due to the projected large investment, the breakeven volume determines Initiatives, Chamber of
the feasibility. The cost of constructing 1,600km Karachi to Kalabagh Commerce
channel is estimated to be approximately $4.0 billion phased over 5 to10
years. It is recognized that 146 million acre-feet (MAF) of water in the Indus
River, of which near 30MAF flows into the sea, is more than sufficient to
sustain an effective inland water transport system. Land acquisition and
population displacement is not necessary, and river and canal corridors are
already in the government ownership.
In terms of infrastructure, development of the IWT along the Indus River
has to be done in phases. Attock to Daud Khel (220 km) has already been
experimented and proven to be feasible by the former IWTDC. Under the
new Phase 1, the IWT should develop an integrated IWT terminal at from
Daud Khel in Mianwali, which is a transport hub with roads radiating from
four directions, thus facilitating road-water transport. Under Phase 2, the
IWT can extend from Mianwali to Taunsa. Once operational, this implies
an IWT of 550 km. Next Phase 3 can extend from Taunsa to Sukkur, which
is another major transport hub. These three phases will form the trunk
inland waterway. Subsequent phases will likely require more financial
resources to overcome the low water profile of the river in the Sindh
province.
Set up an Setup an Inland Waterway Transport Authority to cover all aspects of Ministry of Ministry of Water Infrastructure, Cost 2021
Inland developing inland water transport and other associated activities such as Communications Resources, WAPDA, effective Logistics,
Waterway waterfront land utilization, tourist resorts etc. Provincial Irrigation standard compliance,
Transport Departments, Ministry of Incident management
Authority This authority will have the mandate to develop both passenger and Commerce, Ministry of and quality control
cargo transport. The authority will develop the regulation on cargo on IWT Planning, Development
and select the IWT operator. and Special Initiatives,
The IWTA will function as the coordinating agency and liaise with the Chamber of Commerce
provincial governments.
49

Action Description Implementers Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Appoint a new Evaluate and Appoint a new IWT Development Company. Learning from Inland Waterways Ministry of IWTDC appointed 2022
IWT the experiences of IWT Development Company (IWTDC) in Punjab, to Transport Communications, Ministry
Development select a well-established Pakistan-based logistics operator to be the new Authority of Water Resources,
Company IWTDC. A pure commercial firm is not the best fit due to the potential WAPDA, Provincial
war-time application of IWT and also the expected longer time horizon to Irrigation Departments,
make IWT profitable. It should be made clear that IWT has a socio- Ministry of Commerce,
economic mandate. This IWTDC could be given the sole right to operate Ministry of Planning,
the IWT on specific sections and the concessions lasting a definite period Development and Special
of years (e.g. 10 years) to demonstrate the ‘proof of concept’. Initiatives
Develop rules Develop federal laws, rules and regulations covering Inland Waterway Inland Waterways Ministry of Infrastructure, Cost 2022
and regulations transport, including the following: Transport Communications, Ministry effective Logistics,
for IWT Authority of Water Resources, standard compliance,
• Regulations for the boats and crafts used for cargo WAPDA, Provincial Incident management
transportation. This will specify the dimensions and the technical Irrigation Departments, and quality control
performance of the assets top operate safely and efficiently on Ministry of Commerce,
rivers Ministry of Industries,
• Develop National Standards on Manufacturing of locally Engineering Development
produced ships, in case local production of the boats and barges Board, National Transport
is considered favourably. Research Centre, Ministry
of Planning, Development
• Enforce and managing registration of lease of waterfront lands, and Special Initiatives
waterfront resorts, terminals, shipyards, maintenance depots,
etc.
• Develop processes to issue and obtain permits and licenses
• Cover issues related to Health, Safety and Environment
• Develop Training and research centre to cover all aspects of
Inland water transportation
A.6. Urban Transport

Key
Lead Performance
Establish long term city Establish long-term and an effective land-use zoning and planning. The existing Provincial Provincial Transport Master Plans 2023
planning and the future freight movements may be projected and modelled, after which it is Planning and Departments, available
incorporated into the land-use and urban planning. Development Provincial Housing,
departments Urban
• Need an effective coordination of the Transport Department with the Development&
Local Governments for the pragmatic and efficient land-use planning Public Health
and zoning. Engineering
• Incorporate the freight transport needs into the spatial planning. Departments.;
50
Key
Lead Performance
• Develop properly sited, planned and designed adequate parking space. Development
• Develop properly sited, planned and designed adequate loading and Authorities
unloading points.
• Provide properly planned and designed ramps at the commercial
facilities for the materials transfer
• Re-examine land use zoning guidelines to distinguish land meant for
port activities
Delegate and enhance Improve and enhance responsibilities for regulating the local transport, and Provincial Provincial Transport Locally 2022
local responsibility for delegate provincial responsibilities to local bodies whilst equipping them with the Planning and Departments; Local responsive
transport planning necessary funds, tools and technologies to help address urban transport. These Development Government plans
local bodies should be responsible for preparing a holistic master plan for the city, Departments departments implemented
keeping in view; the anticipated expansion of the city and its future traffic and Local and tested
requirements. The Planning and Development, the Housing & Urban Government
Development Department, Local Government Department and the Transport
Department have to work in close collaboration.
Asses bypass roads Carry out traffic studies to bypass roads to avoid long-haul traffic moving through Provincial Provincial Planning Reduction in 2023
and limit heavy traffic the city centre and need to transit to another destination to avoid stopping in the Transport and Development heavy vehicle
in the cities city causing blockades, traffic jams and congestion. Departments Departments, in the cities.
Provincial Local
Special attention should be given to the requirements of the heavy transport Government & Reduction in
vehicles (HTV) that have to enter the city to cater to city’s commercial and Community the number of
industrial requirements. Facilitate and regulate the access of these vehicles to Development accidents on
city centres. Departments; the road.
National Highway Improved air
Authority. and noise
quality.
Designate loading and Designate loading and unloading areas and impose penalties and increase Provincial Provincial Planning Reduction in 2023
unloading areas enforcement on the illegal parking on the road-side. Transport and Development heavy vehicle
Departments Departments; in the cities.
Urban plans have to incorporate proper loading bays, preferably off-streets to Traffic Police
avoid obstruction of traffic. In congested areas, the roads/streets can be marked Reduction in
with special symbols to signify loading/unloading spaces and ensuring effective the number of
enforcement in this respect. There is a requirement for the international standard accidents on
road signage / direction signs and markings to indicate the prohibited or permitted the road.
locations for the loading and the unloading at the designated places on the
streets and roads.
Establish Cross dock Establish, cross-dock stations on the outskirts of the cities. These stations should Provincial Provincial and Number of 2022
stations be located near strategic well accessible locations to facilitate transfer, collection Transport Regional Transport Cross-Dock
and repacking of cargo. Departments Agencies; Stations
51
Key
Lead Performance
Also, for the vehicles that need the loading of goods from the HTV for the Provincial Planning Efficient
redistribution, a loading station and area should be reserved in the industrial zone and development. freight
located in the outskirts, including facilities for the construction of distribution distribution.
centres. HTV can unload the goods or containers, undergo break-bulk in these
centres and dispatch the goods to the final destinations, using smaller vehicles or
vans.
Facilitate night delivery Facilitate the night operations for transfer and movement of cargo Provincial Provincial Transport Reduction in 2022
operations Transport Departments. the average
• Extend operating hours of the selected rail terminal to allow road-rail Departments. Provincial Local delivery time
transfer of goods Government & for the intra
• Limit the number of the police-checkpoints to streamline and facilitate Community city dispatch.
night time traffic. Development
• Install street lights at areas where the night operation is likely to happen Departments.;
(e.g. loading and unloading areas).
The night operations can be encouraged because this yields two advantages.
Firstly, the roads are less congested and the vehicle speeds can be faster.
Secondly, it increases the asset utilization for the logistics companies. However,
railways stations only operate at day time, but HTV can only enter cities after
8pm (they are prohibited to enter the city during day time to avoid compounding
the traffic congestion). So, when the HTV can enter the city, the train stations do
not receive nor deliver goods, as they are closed and only a skeletal staff is
maintained. As such, trains that carry a large volume of goods will transfer them
to numerous small vehicles for inland or onward dispatch, instead of using an
HTV for a long haul and higher capacity which is also more economical. Thus,
the selected railway stations should operate for the extended hours or even 24
hours over five-day /seven-day periods, so that goods can be transferred to an
HTV.
Development of a Self- Consider the development of a Self-Collection Lockers system to facilitate Ministry of Ministry of Number of 2020
Collection lockers smaller e-commerce parcels: Communications Information Lockers
system Technology and
• Develop a Concept Note on the Self Collection Lockers system. Telecommunication; Average
• Establish the technical standards for the self-collection lockers to ensure Ministry of Science Utilization
inter-operability and Technology; E-
• Launch the National Lockers Program and pilot in Tier-1 cities and commerce
expand nation-wide. platforms; Logistics
• Designating strategically located drop-off and self-collection points can Service Providers
be encouraged
These initiatives cannot be undertaken unless Cash on Delivery services are
reduced to a minimal level.
See also Box 6.
52
Key
Lead Performance
Establishing Freight Set up of specific partnership agreements between shopkeepers, carriers and Relevant Ministry of Freight 2022
Quality Partnerships other stakeholders aimed at improving the efficiency of last mile services. Freight associations Communications partnerships
Quality Partnerships aim to bring together both public and private-sector parties established
involved in freight transport and logistics to discuss problems and identify and City Governments for every
implement solutions. major city
Establishing Urban Contributes to the reduction of freight traffic circulating within a target area by Provincial Ministry of Logistics 2022
Consolidation/Logistics promoting the consolidation of cargo shipments at one or more urban terminals; Governments Communications Centres
Centres in major cities: established
• Carriers that would normally make separate trips to the target area with City Governments
low load factors, transfer their loads to a neutral carrier that consolidates
Freight operators
the cargo and manages the last leg of the deliveries;
• Shipments are supplied to a strategically located warehouse instead of
multiple vehicles making individual direct deliveries to receivers within
urban centres; and
• Shipments are usually consolidated to maximise vehicle utilisation on
the "last mile" and make a reduced number of deliveries at agreed times
during the day.
Designate HTV Parking Support the creation of suitable lorry parking and driver rest facilities in Provincial Provincial Transport Reduction in 2022
Areas and Truck Stops accordance with local and wider needs that may also remove inconvenient Governments Departments; heavy vehicle
parking of HTV vehicles in residential or sensitive areas. Traffic Police; in the cities.
Provincial Finance
Departments; Reduction in
Provincial the number of
Communication & accidents on
Works the road.
Departments.; Improved air
National Highway and noise
Authority.; quality.
Develop designated Develop designated routes for trucks in specified streets to avoid HTV traffic in Provincial Provincial Transport Reduction in 2021
routes for freight residential areas. This is supported by the implementation of coordinated route Governments Departments; heavy vehicle
navigation e.g. using ITS systems to optimise the delivery routes and timings. and Ministry of Traffic Police; in the cities.
Communications Provincial Finance
Consider usage of initiatives for the intelligent use of road space, optimised Departments; Reduction in
signalling and automation, with a particular focus on the road network within Provincial the number of
urban centres including exploring new technologies. Communication & accidents on
Works the road.
Departments.; Improved air
National Highway and noise
Authority.; quality.
53
Key
Lead Performance
Promotion of greener Work with the public and private sector to reduce lorry and van movements in Ministry of Provincial Transport Reduction in 2022
freight in urban areas urban areas by identifying and developing a series of ‘green’ projects with a view Planning, Departments; heavy vehicle
to preserving the liveability of city centres and reduce the negative externalities Development Traffic Police; in the cities.
produced by freight vehicles in terms of emissions, noise and safety. Options are: and Special Provincial Finance
Initiatives Departments; Reduction in
• Promotion of low emission delivery vehicles and concepts, by Provincial the number of
developing restricted zones and operating hours with the exception of Provincial Communication & accidents on
clean vehicles Planning and Works the road.
• Identify and implement opportunities to encourage accelerated uptake of Development Departments.;
Departments Improved air
low emissions vehicles and operational practices. National Highway and noise
• Address the requirement for alternative fuels infrastructure as part of Authority.; quality.
wide development planning policies.
• Explore cleaner alternatives for ‘last mile’ logistics and courier type
services (for example, electric and cycling logistics).
• Encourage local freight/logistics operators to adopt cleaner engines
including retrofitting equipment that will improve fuel efficiency.
A.7. Rural Transport

Action Description implementer Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Attract and Establish a hub-and-spoke mechanism for rural logistics, with prioritized Provincial Provincial Planning and Efficient freight 2025
facilitate rural maintenance for the core routes and road-side facilities for loading- and Transport Development Departments; distribution in the
logistics unloading. Smaller warehousing facilities, potentially temperature- Departments Provincial Local Government rural areas.
controlled, should be considered at those locations that can act as a hub. & Community Development
Departments.
Establish Establish collection points at strategic location for collection and repacking Provincial Provincial Planning and Secure and safer 2025
collection of freight in rural areas for bulk transport to the main distribution networks. Transport Development Departments; place for the goods;
points Departments Provincial Local Government with overall lesser
& Community Development wastage and
Departments; Pakistan Post pilferage.
54

Action Description implementer Stakeholders Indicator Timeframe
Utilize the Consider utilizing the extensive Pakistan Post network of around 12,000 Pakistan Post Provincial Transport Secure and safer 2025
Pakistan Post post offices in the rural areas. This is an asset that can be capitalized upon Departments.; Provincial place for the goods;
network as the pick-up points in the rural areas of the country. The partnerships with Planning and Development with overall lesser
the private enterprises, such as e-commerce logistics firms and other Department; Ministry of wastage and
logistics service providers should be encouraged to establish the urban- Communications. pilferage.
rural deliveries network. The private enterprises can focus on the urban
distribution but outsource the rural deliveries to the Pakistan Post; such an Improved efficiency
arrangement will help optimise the load balance for the urban-rural of the overall
deliveries. supply chain.
A.8. Horizontal: Enabling Governance Structure

Establish the Approve the formation of the Pakistan Courier and Logistics Regulatory Ministry of Ministry of Commerce, Charter of PCLRA 2020
Pakistan Authority (PCLRA) and develop the charter for PCLRA Communications Ministry of Maritime Affairs, approved
Courier and Ministry of Railways, Ministry
Logistics • Once established, PCLRA would regulate and standardize the of Postal Services, Aviation
Regulatory logistics sector. Division, Provincial
Authority • The leadership in PCLRA will develop the charter for the Government, Industry
authority and develop industry regulations on the courier and associations, National
logistics industry, covering areas such as facilitation of logistics Logistics Cell
industry, safeguarding industry operators and service providers’
interests, inculcating efficiency in the logistics system through
process and regulatory interventions and drafting rules,
regulations and standards for the industry.
• Carefully draft its rules with a view to promoting e-commerce
and e-logistics and to establish stability, transparency and
standardisation in the system in consultation with all players,
such as e-commerce portals, electronic retailers, courier
operators etc.
• Select the Board of Directors of PCLRA and appoint the key
office bearer (e.g. Chairperson, Director General) and establish
PCLRA Fund
• Amend the Rules of Business to cover the role of the Pakistan
Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority, covering the Charter
and oversight of the logistics industry.
55

Develop the Develop the Logistics Industry Transformation Plan in consultation with PCLRA Ministry of Communications, Logistics Industry 2020
Logistics the public sector and the business community. The plan provides a Ministry of Commerce, Transformation
Industry development strategy that covers the areas described in this policy and Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Master-Plan
Transformation other sector-specific incentives, such organization of awareness, Ministry of Railways, Ministry
Plan promotion and business-to-business activities for Pakistan logistics of Postal Services, Aviation
companies within the country and in overseas destinations. The Division, Provincial
Transformation Plan will further operationalize the actions described in Government, Industry
this policy. Associations, National
Logistics Cell, Chambers of
Commerce and Industries.
Continue and Implement and prioritize the development of the Pakistan Single Window. Federal Board of Ministry of Communications, Pakistan Single 2022
prioritize the In process of adopting the Pakistan Single Window, streamline the Revenue Ministry of Commerce, Window
development of processes covering the customs clearance procedures, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, operational and
Pakistan Single statutory regulatory orders (SRO’s) and rationalize the tax structures Ministry of Railways, Ministry functional
Window and accompanying those of Postal Services, Ministry
simplify the of Science and Technology;
Customs Aviation Division, Provincial
clearance Governments
procedures
Promote REIT Encourage multiple channels of private-sector investment fund Ministry of Warehouse operators, First REIT 2021
for financing particularly the application of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to Commerce Private sector associations, established
infrastructure finance logistics infrastructure, particularly of warehousing. Ministry of Finance
Computerize Land registry shall computerize all records of ownership titles to support Provincial Board NADRA, Provincial Percentage of 2022
Land Registry land acquisitions and transfer. of Revenue Governments Land that possess
Departments. computerized
Land Registry
Review the Review the inadvertent consequences from the withholding tax on gross Federal Board of Pakistan Courier and Cost of Freight 2021
withholding tax turnover of freight forwarders. The gross turnover contains ‘pass-through’ Revenue Logistics Regulatory Forwarding
on gross charges. Authority; Shipping Lines and
turnover of Agents; Airlines
freight
forwarders
Continue the Continue the improvement processes to facilitate registration of new Board of Federal Board of Revenue, Number of new 2020
improvement business, including the harmonization of the tax number identification Investment Private Sector associations companies
for registration
of new
business
56

Preferential Seek to promote and offer preferential loan and financing to logistics Ministry of State Bank of Pakistan; Cost of Freight 2022
financing for companies. Logistics is to be recognized as a qualified ‘industry’ that is Commerce Pakistan Courier and Forwarding
logistics entitled to business loans at preferential interests. This will stimulate Logistics Regulatory
companies greater private-sector ability to invest and reinvest in the industry. Authority; Shipping Lines and
Agents; Airlines; Ministry of
Industries and Production;
Ministry of Commerce;
Ministry of Communications;
Commercial Banks
Accept Consider recognizing and accepting Insurance Guarantees as a customs Federal Board of Ministry of Commerce, Other guarantees 2022
insurance guarantee in lieu of bank guarantees. The approval for use of insurance Revenue Pakistan Courier and accepted
guarantees as guarantees can be made conditional based on history and track record of Logistics Regulatory
customs the respective logistics operators. Authority; Industry
guarantee Associations; Ministry of
Communications
Publish Publish Schedule of Fees and Issue Receipts to Combat Corruption. An Pakistan Courier Ministry of Communications; Official Schedule 2020
schedule of official schedule of fees and tariffs for different charges and fees that are and Logistics Provincial Transport of Fees and Tariffs
fees payable by logistics service providers should be published and made Regulatory Departments; National published
easily accessible so that the information is transparent. Authority Highway Authority
Align and Align and develop the logistics statistics concerning all relevant aspects Ministry of Provincial Transport Established NTDO 2022
develop of logistics. This will be incorporated in the National Transport Data Communications / Departments.
logistics Observatory and support public and private sector in decision making. Pakistan Bureau
statistics The statistics will cover the modal share, vehicle fleet, freight tonnes of Statistics
carried by transport mode (%), service frequency, origin destination, turn
around and clearance times, time and distance, reliability and costs of
travel, export/import by good and location, etc.
A.9. Horizontal: E-Logistics

Promote supply Promote supply chain management and automation technologies such Federal Board of Ministry of Percentage of e- 2022
chain management as innovative robotic sorting solutions, automated sorting systems, Revenue Communications; Ministry commerce
and automation Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) Tags that incorporate of Science and Technology transactions, both
technology data analysis, cloud computing, intelligent terminals and image web-based and EDI
processing technologies in order to shorten delivery time. Automation based, out of the total
is essential to efficiently process bigger volumes. transactions.
Growth in e-commerce
transactions in
57

Tax incentives may be considered as labour cost is low in Pakistan, so comparison to base
the industry has little incentive to automate systems with current tax year.
regime.
Equal status for Amend laws and procedures to give electronic documents the same Ministry of Law & Ministry of Commerce Number of electronic 2021
electronic status as signed, physical documents. Justice documents generated
documents per annum
Reduce cash on Promote and offer incentives to customers that do not use cash on E-retailing and Ministry of Commerce Percentage Decrease 2022
delivery delivery logistics in Number of
operators Customers using CoD
• Innovative modes of payment such as prepaid debit/credit
cards and mobile and electronic wallets should be
incentivised. Conventional products such as debit and credit
cards may be of limited use because of weak financial
inclusion in the country.
• Card Not Present transactions may be used as alternative
arrangement but comprehensive deliberation is essential in
this regard because their high risk may outweigh the benefits.
• Banks will have to enable the innovative modes of payment
and the electronic retailers will have to offer sales promotions
for the customers who do not opt for Cash on Delivery
Promote nation- Promote an equal nation-wide operation to ensure operators cover the E-Logistics Pakistan Post, Ministry of Geographic area 2021
wide operations whole of the country. E-logistics operators need to keep pace with Operators Communications, Private (including rural and
current growth in e-commerce activity; they need to reconfigure sector associations remote areas) served
existing infrastructure and invest in the new one in order to target new by e-logistics operators
geographic markets; currently, the demand for e-logistics is reaching compared with the total
to geographic areas where e-logistics operators do not operate. area.
Facilitate reverse Facilitate in the rules and regulations the reverse logistics. Reverse e- E-Logistics E-retailers and portals Availability of reverse 2022
logistics logistics need to be established in order to facilitate customers for Operators logistics system as a
returns, warranties and guarantees. percentage of total
geographic coverage
Establish Delivery Establishing Delivery Networks for E-Commerce Goods: Promote E-Logistics Pakistan Courier and Volume of last mile 2021
Networks for E- developing networks of “pick up and drop off points”, where the Operators Logistics Regulatory deliveries (average
Commerce Goods receiver can choose to have e-commerce deliveries made to a Authority number of shipments
convenient location, such as at convenience stores. The rapid growth in a particular period)
of internet trading has encouraged an expansion in ‘white van’ delivery in rural and low volume
services that add to local traffic volumes that are often inefficient in areas
terms of the goods they carry (individual deliveries of very light
packets). The private sector is beginning to identify solutions to this
dilemma.
58
A.10. Horizontal: Transit Trade Facilitation

Develop the Develop the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) system in Federal Board of Ministry of Interior; Ministry AEO guidelines and 2021
Authorized Pakistan. This needs to be encouraged and will strongly facilitate Revenue of Commerce; Industry implementation plan
Economic business. Furthermore, the AEO system has an additional value, if the Associations
Operator list of qualified operators is also exchanged with the neighbouring
countries and/or key trading partners. Mutual recognition of the AEO
can reduce the time and cost of cross-border trade for all modes of
transport.
Adoption of smart Consider adoption of smart seals with integrated GPS/GIS to monitor Federal Board of Ministry of Interior; Ministry Smart Seals System 2020
seals transit movements. The use of the intelligent technologies, such as Revenue of Commerce; National
smart seals allow customs to ensure the goods remain in the truck Highway Authority;
compartment and allows real-time monitoring of the truck journey. If National Transport
the truck deviates from the permitted route, the system is integrated Research Centre;
with a Geographical Information System that alerts the customs Provincial Governments;
officers. Industry Associations;
Exchange custom Conduct bilateral exchange of custom data with Afghanistan to enable Federal Board of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; MoU on Exchange of 2022
data with risk-based assessment of transit trade. The transit goods have to be Revenue Afghanistan Customs Data
Afghanistan carried in a bonded manner. To do this more effectively, information is Department; Ministry of
important. Customs administrations from trading countries should Communications; Ministry
exchange bilateral data so that relevant authorities can monitor the of Commerce
flow of goods and analyse trends to identify any suspicious activities.
This also paves the way for pre-arrival declaration of goods, giving
customs officials more time to conduct risk-based assessments
instead of initiating customs controls only when the truck arrives at the
border.
Assess the Examine the feasibility of adopting Passage du Carnet system for Federal Board of Ministry of Passage du Carnet 2022
Passage du Carnet temporary admission of commercial vehicles. A common concern is Revenue Communications; Ministry Feasibility Report
system for that the freight and sometimes even vehicles declared for transit are of Interior; Ministry of
temporary sold inside Pakistan. To address this, the Carnet du Passage system Commerce; National
admission of can be considered. This international customs document simplifies Highway Authority;
vehicles temporary admission of commercial vehicles. The Afghan Ministry of Provincial Governments;
Transport is also considering this system. Industry Associations;
Adopt a temporary Adopt a road pass quota system for limited rights for both Afghan and Ministry of Federal Board of Revenue; Road Quota system 2021
road pass quota Pakistan operators to reduce transloading of goods at border between Communications National Highway
system facilitating vehicles in the absence of a complete APTTA agreement. This means Authority; National
transit rights granting a limited number of road pass to qualified Afghan operators Transport Research
(e.g. TIR Holders) to deliver goods to the Wagah border, while it is Centre; Private Sector;
requested that Afghanistan grants limited rights to Pakistan operators Government of
to Shirkhan Bandar. This can reduce the number of transloading of Afghanistan; National
goods. Logistics Cell;
59

Modernize border Modernize border crossing points, in continuation of the existing ADB Federal Board of Ministry of Average border 2020
crossing points project to modernize the border crossing, with a view to focus on Revenue Communications; Ministry crossing time reduced
transit goods. of Interior; Narcotics
Control Authority; National
• Consider expanding and developing Ghulam Khan border Highway Authority;
crossing point, focussed on transit trade as an alternative to National Transport
Torkham. Research Centre;
• Implement TIR parks and smart gate system to ease the Government of
congestion at Torkham, and replicate this to other BCPs if Afghanistan; National
successful Logistics Cell;
• General considerations for all major boarding crossing
points:
o Segregate cargo and passenger traffic at border,
o Using truck scanners to conduct inspection, instead
of frequent physical loading and unloading,
o Institute Smart Gates and TIR system to notify
drivers only when their queue is up, so that they can
park the trucks at proper truck parking space away
but near to BCPs,
o Harmonize the BCP operation hours with
neighbouring countries
o Reduce the number of police checkpoints between
the two BCPs that slows down the traffic but
conduct surveillance with the CCTVs and perimeter
fencing
o Create Green Lanes for the movement of
perishables, or allow this for the TIR trucks at the
minimal so that the TIR operators can cross with
minimal hindrances
Install Truck Install and operate truck scanners at border crossing points to Federal Board of Ministry of Interior; National Average border 2023
scanners at border examine compartment contents without the need for full physical Revenue Logistics Cell; Private crossing time and cost
crossing points examination. The principle here is to adopt risk-based management Sector; educed
and a greater application of non-intrusive technologies to allow tax
and customs officers to conduct their duties yet create less friction in
the transit movement.
Incentivize transit Incentivize transit trade at Gwadar so that it can attract cargo and Ministry of Ministry of Planning, Notification on Special 2021-2024
trade at Gwadar operators, Commerce / Development and Special Status of Gwadar for
Ministry of Initiatives; Ministry of Transit Trade to
• Designate Gwadar seaport special status as the gateway for Planning, Maritime Affairs; Ministry of Central Asian
Central Asian transit trade Development Communications; Federal Republics
• Construct and operate bonded bulk storage and handling Board of Revenue;
facilities in Gwadar seaport and Special Economic Zone National Highway
60

• Reduce time to obtain a trans-shipment permit by simplifying and Special Authority; National
the procedures, particularly for multimodal shipments Initiatives Transport Research
• Amend WeBoC to be able to handle the multimodal Centre; Private Sector;
shipments. Government of
Baluchistan; Gwadar Port
• Consider to extend simplified transit regime to the Central
Authority;
Asian Republics. Currently, the seaport already has
favourable financial incentives such as 3 months free storage
period.
• Commission a Feasibility Study on ‘Gwadar+4’ Air Hop
Strategy with Central Asian Republics, within a 4 hours flight
radius, an aircraft can leave Gwadar and arrive at the capital
cities of the Central Asian Republics. This air hop would
overcome the cumbersome road transportation problem. By
working a through air-sea freight rate, Gwadar can attract
goods from the Central Asian Republics to use the air freight
to Gwadar, and then re-export to the other international
destinations. This strategy can be implemented in the short
term and focuses on the high value horticultural products
(e.g. cherries, saffron) from the Central Asia
There is a window of opportunity now due to the international
sanctions against Iran; international shippers are reluctant to use the
Iranian seaports. Dubai seaports are more costly and the business
environment remains tough there. This is the right opportunity for
Pakistan to close the gap with the regional competitors and attract
traffic to Gwadar, including the transit business.
Improve clearance Improve clearance procedures and release of trucks and cargoes Prime Minister’s Ministry of Planning, Average lead-time at 2020-2021
procedures within 24 hours from the Ports and Border operations Office Development and Special port for clearance and
Initiatives; Ministry of cargo release
• Issue a Directive to release all trucks/cargoes within 24 Maritime Affairs; Ministry of shortened
hours Communications; Ministry
• Establish a pre-clearance system is setup in Pakistan, to of Interior; Federal Board
release all pre-cleared trucks/cargoes within 2 hours. of Revenue; Private
• In the long term, all shipments should be cleared within 2 Sector; Provincial
hours for instance, if they meet certain conditions. Governments; National
• Establish a watchdog to evaluate and monitor the clearance Logistics Cell;
and cargo release time issued in Prime Minister’s Directive
Through fare for Provide a through-fare service for road-rail service connecting Ministry of Ministry of Multimodal service 2025-2030
road-rail service to Gwadar and Karachi and Central Asian Republics (one fare for Railways Communications; Federal (road-rail) between
Central Asian multimodal shipment) to facilitate bulk commodities from Central Board of Revenue; Industry Afghanistan, Pakistan
Republics Asian Republics. This includes key export products cotton and Associations; and Central Asian
Republics
61

aluminium from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and minerals and energy
items exports from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Continue Continue simplifying visa application procedures and consider reduce Ministry of Ministry of Interior, Ministry Application Time and 2022
simplifying visa Visa Fees for transit trade. Foreign Affairs of Communications; Fees for Visa to
application Ministry of Commerce Overseas Countries
for Transport
Operators
A.11. Horizontal: International Conventions, Standards and Agreements

Revive APTTA Revive Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement Ministry of Ministry of Communications; Pakistan Signing of revised 2021
(APTTA, 2010) to facilitate trade with Central Asian Commerce Customs; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; agreement and its
Republics and minimize trans-loadings, particularly from Ministry of Interior; Federation of ratification by both
Jalalabad and Shirkhan Bandar border. Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & governments
Industry; Pakistan International Freight
Forwarders Association;
Accede to Review and consider accession to following International Ministry of Pakistan Customs; Mercantile Marine Accession to the 2021
several Maritime Organization Conventions and Protocols: Maritime Affairs Department; Ministry of Interior; Plant Conventions and
international Protection Department; Port Health issue of notification of
Maritime • Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Department; Pakistan National Accession by
Protocols Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Shipping Corporation; Pakistan Ship Government of
Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 Agents Association; Customs Agents Pakistan
relating thereto, as amended (MARPOL PROT Association
1997)
• International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker
Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (BOPD 2001)
• International Convention on the Control of Harmful
Antifouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001)
• International Convention for the Control and
Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and
Sediments, 2004 (SBWS 2004)
• International Convention on Facilitation of
International Maritime Traffic, 1965 as amended
(FAL – 1965)
62

Accede to Review and consider accession to following Customs Federal Board of Pakistan Customs; Ministry of Accession to the 2021
several customs Conventions: Revenue Communications; Ministry of Law & Conventions and their
conventions justice; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; notification
• Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Ministry of Interior
Commercial Road Vehicles (1956)
• Customs Convention on Containers (1972)
• International Convention on the Harmonization of
Frontier Control of Goods (1982)
Implement CMR Implement CMR Convention Ministry of Members of CMR Implementation CMR operational 2021
Convention Communications Committee
• Enactment of International Carriage of Goods by
Road Bill, 2019 to implement CMR acceded by
Government of Pakistan
• Arrange issue of standardized CMR Waybill for use
by road transporters of Pakistan.
• Arrange issue of CMR cargo insurance policy
• Arrange issue of third-party liability insurance for
foreign vehicles
• Establish structure of Transit Fee for foreign
vehicles transiting Pakistan
• Organize a ‘Caravan’ to pilot transit transportation:
Revisit TIR rules Revisit TIR rules and regulations taking into account current Federal Board of PNC-ICC, Bonder Carriers, Ministry of Number of TIR 2020
and regulations practice and amend the rules to incorporate any lessons Revenue Communications, other associations carnets issued
learned from the first years of operations and adoption of
CMR convention.
Revise the Review and enact the Carriage of Goods by Road Bill, 2013 Provincial Ministry of Communications; Enactment of the Bill 2020
domestic by all Provincial Assemblies to regulate the domestic Governments Departments of Transport of by all provinces.
carriage act carriage of goods by road and replace the Carriers Act, 1865. respective Province; Association of
It is necessary for the same bill to be enacted by all the goods Carriers Association of the
provinces to maintain uniformity of domestic road transport Province
legislation throughout the country.
Consider Consider and assess the feasibility to accede to the Ministry of
accession to International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Communications
ADR convention. This convention is to ensure safety in the
transportation of chemicals, gases and hazardous materials,
components, radioactive materials. Reviews of existing
federal legislation, such as OGRA dangerous goods rules,
and the Dangerous Cargoes Act, 1953, may provide some
insight into Pakistan’s preparedness to incorporate this major
international convention.
63

Publish list of Publish the list of acceded conventions, standards and Ministry of Ministry of Law and Justice; Ministry of Updated Website 2020
acceded bilateral/multilateral agreements on a public website of the Foreign Affairs Communications; Ministry of Maritime
conventions Government Affairs; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of
Postal Services; Ministry of Railways
A.12. Horizontal: Information Technology

Promote Facilitate and define an incentive structure to implement Federal Board of Ministry of Commerce Scoring on LPI index 2021
Electronic Data Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to allow for improved track Revenue Track and Trace
Interchange and trace, reliability and predictability of shipments. This also Ministry of Industries and
enables Just in Time shipments. The role of the Pakistan Production
Single Window and WeBoC can support this facility. Ministry of Maritime Affairs
Consider establishment of national EDI guidelines.
Promote the Promote and seek innovation with the usage of Blockchain in Ministry of Ministry of IT and Growth in Blockchain 2025
use of Freight and Logistics industry. The blockchain can help Communications Telecommunication, Ministry of related transactions in
blockchain significantly reduce cash realization cycle, cut transaction and Science and Technology; Pakistan the industry
administrative costs, increase LCL inefficiency by better Telecomunication Authority,
consolidation of cargo and decreasing empty and partial loads, Provincial IT Boards. Industry
decrease temperature variation in cold-chain logistics and help Associations
track the cargo.
• Blockchain can be applied to trade finance. There are
multiple parties such as shippers, carriers, regulators,
banks, insurance companies, importers etc, and a
multitude of documents such as commercial invoice
and shipping documents. The use of Blockchain in
trade finance can greatly enhance the efficiency of
supply chain finance.
• Blockchain can be used in the food supply chain. As
consumers become increasingly sophisticated, they
need to know the origin of the production, the
processes from ‘farm to fork’ which will provide
transparency of the entire supply chain.
• Blockchain can be applied to land registry for titles,
enables the title of the land to be recorded on a
transparent basis that remains free from any
tampering.
64

Artificial Consider use of Artificial Intelligence for pre-clearance of Federal Board of Ministry of Commerce, Industry AI applied 2022
Intelligence for shipments by Customs and other Border Control Agencies. Revenue Associations
pre-Clearance This can enhance the quality of the checking and determination
for the green or red channel.
Develop Improvement in WeBoC to enable it to process multimodal Federal Board of Ministry of Maritime Affairs; Shorter time for Trans- 2020-2021
multimodal shipments, in particular in line with the TIR convention Revenue Ministry of Communications; Shipment Permit
logistics in Government of Baluchistan;
WeBoC Gwadar Port Authority; Civil WeBoC able to handle
Aviation Authority; Private Sector; multimodal shipments
Stimulate Stimulate innovation by considering launching a LogTech fund Ministry of Ministry of Science and Percentage of e- 2022
innovation by jointly with private sector associations to promote the adoption Communications Technology; Ministry of commerce
launching a of EDI, ERP, Logistics Information Systems, Blockchain, Communications; Federal Board of transactions, both web-
LogTech fund Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, etc. to process and Revenue; Industry Associations; based and EDI based,
facilitate logistics supply chain and accompanying transactions. Ministry of Commerce; Board of out of the total
Investment transactions.
• Establish the selection criteria
• Describe the application procedure Growth in e-commerce
transactions in
• Define the list of technologies to be supported
comparison to base
• List the financial support mechanisms (e.g. tax credit) year.
In addition, the government shall also explore a grant or
subsidy program to promote logistics information systems such
as warehouse management system, transport management
system and freight management system. The self-sustaining
LogTech may be developed; this LogTech fund will establish
the selection criteria, application procedure and the list of
approved technologies. The financial support mechanism
includes co-financing, low interest long term loans or tax
credits.
A.13. Horizontal: Capacity Building

Key Performance
Designate NAVTTC Designate National Vocational & Technical Training Ministry of Federal National Vocational & NAVTTC notified 2020
for Logistics Commission (NAVTTC) as the apex agency for logistics Education and Technical Training and agreed
Capacity Building capacity building. In terms of Accreditation, Certification and Professional Training Commission; Ministry of
Standards, the NAVTTC shall be the primary organisation to Communications; Industry
serve as the regulatory authority on capacity building matters. Associations
65
Key Performance
Include setting up a Freight and Logistics Advisory Council to
advise NAVTTC on the industry matters related on capacity
building. It is necessary for the business practitioners to
provide technical guidance and inputs to NAVTTC on capacity
building matters. Membership will comprise private sector
business leaders and office-bearers of transport and logistics
associations.
Conduct a Training Conduct a national Training Needs Analysis on Logistics National Vocational & National Logistics Cell; Training Needs 2020-2021
Needs Assessment Industry. NAVTTC with the advice of Advisory Council, shall Technical Training Industry Associations; Analysis
embark on a national training needs assessment focusing on Commission Chambers of Commerce
the freight and logistics industry.
The training needs assessment identifies existing and new
skills required by the industry, including existing courses in the
market, identification of the gaps and issues related to
capacity building needs
Repeated surveys can be considered to be conducted in all
four provinces to collect up-to-date data on the logistics
industry. The aggregated survey findings could then be
published and served as a reference point to inform future
policy making.
Develop the Develop the National Vocational Qualification Framework for National Vocational & National Logistics Cell; National Vocational 2020-2021
National Vocational Logistics. Core skills in the field will be defined and related Technical Training Industry Associations; Qualification
Qualification training will be designed and imparted (e.g. procurement, Commission Chambers of Commerce Framework
Framework inventory management, transportation, distribution,
warehousing, freight forwarding etc). Each core skill has a list
of unit of competencies that defines a specific skill or know-
how. The logistics National Vocational Qualification
Framework can then serve as a reference model for launching
new courses, or assessing individual logistics expertise in
interviews, examinations or career progression.
Establish Award Accredited Training Organization to those National Vocational & All training organizations Accredited Training 2020-2023
Accredited organizations that meet the quality standards and deliver the Technical Training offering courses in logistics Organization
Training capacity building programs. NAVTTC can designate Commission developed
Organizations Accredited Training Organizations where the courses qualify
for government grants or incentives.
Design and Setup a Design and Setup a Training Development Fund to support National Vocational & Ministry of Finance; Pakistan Training 2021
training capacity building. This can be done in various ways such as Technical Training Courier and Logistics Development Fund
development fund (1) Direct subsidies to accredited training organizations for Commission Regulatory Authority; Private established
qualified courses, (2) Logistics Scholarships and Book Prizes, Sector;
(3) Tax credit to companies.
66
Key Performance
Support set up Support Centres of Excellence in Universities to strengthen Ministry of Federal Universities and Colleges Centres of 2020-2021
Centres of industry-academia linkages to attract talent to the industry and Education and (Pakistan and Overseas) Excellence
Excellence can serve as a platform to connect industry and academic Professional Training established
institutions in each province. For example, Bahria University
with its association to National Institute of Maritime Affairs can
serve as the centre of excellence for seaports and
international shipping. Fostering international partnerships
and linkages with reputable universities and colleges is also
beneficial.
Attract Attracting professionals, outside of logistics, to enter the National Vocational & National Logistics Cell; Strategic Manpower 2021
professionals logistics industry by launching a Strategic Manpower Technical Training Industry Associations; Conversion onwards
Conversion Program (SMCP) to deliver future work and drive Commission Chambers of Commerce; Program
innovation. The SMCP is providing a strategic training
programme. NAVTTC, accredited training organizations and
the centres of excellence can perform job match-making.
These candidates undergo an introductory conversion course
by accredited training organization and then work part-time at
an assigned logistics company. Upon completion of the
conversion program, the company and individual discuss
options to continue employment with the company.
Capacity building Conduct capacity building for government staff working in National Vocational & Accredited Training Assessment Scores 2021
for Government Ministries and Authorities related to logistics. The capacity Technical Training Organizations; Relevant (pre-test and post- onwards
staff building programs related to Freight and Logistics should be Commission government ministries and test) showing
facilitated by relevant Government Ministries and Department authorities improvement
dealing with Freight and Logistics both at Federal and
provincial level, highways and Motorway personnel along with
Trade bodies and associations.
Expand and Expand and develop courses to cover transport of dangerous National Vocational & Ministry of Communications, Number of people 2021
develop courses goods via all modes of transport. Consider the existing Technical Training Engineering Development taken the course
for handling training and certification for Handling of Dangerous Goods by Commission Board, Provincial
dangerous goods Air that is available in Pakistan. In addition, to the Defensive Governments, National
Driving course, Vocational training should be made mandatory Highways and Motorways
for drivers training on Health Safety Security & Environment Police
(HSSE) Inspection with elementary first aid to cater
Occupational Health and Safety which is major requirement of
Industrial sector.
Improve and Improve and enhance the driver training in line with the driver Ministry of National Highways and Number of people 2022
enhance driver licensing guidelines and adopt this within the various Communications Motorways Police, Provincial taken the training
training governments and the private vocational training institutes in Governments
order to inculcate professionalism and promote employment
generation.
67
Key Performance
Update driving Update the syllabus for Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) National Highways & All public and private training Updated Syllabus 2021
handbook and license to cover Defensive Driving Course and Health Safety Motorways Police, institutes
licenses Security Environment as well. Provincial Traffic
Police.
Update the Road Safety Handbook and must highlight use of
reflectors and lash cargo in accordance with the pre-defined
standards, using tools and equipment for safety of cargo such
as belts, chains, ropes and mandatory signs.
68
Annex B. Logistics Performance Indicators

KPIs are metrics that show the progress in relation to delivering the vision and strategic objectives that have been
set. The NFLP needs to have an effective monitoring and evaluation framework in place to monitor progress. The
Logistics Performance Indicators (LPI), a set of KPIs collected, analysed and published by World Bank, is the
most appropriate framework. This is based on the following selection criteria:
(i) They are recognised at an international level by policy makers;
(ii) They are published and accessible online;
(iii) The nature of the indicators reflects the current state of transport and logistics in Pakistan;
(iv) The KPIs are reported in relation to timescales, so that it is possible to assess changes in the level of
performance; as well as improvement or deterioration over time;
(v) The KPIs are benchmarked against other countries to evaluate the comparative performance.
Pakistan ranked 122nd in Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2018 down from 68th position in 2016. Such a sharp
drop signifies a serious deterioration in the (perception of) performance of the logistics infrastructure across the
country. There are a number of sub-components as part of the ranking including; “Efficiency of Customs”, the
“Quality of Trade and Transport Infrastructure”, the “Ease of Arranging Competitively Priced International
Shipments”, the “Competence and Quality of Logistics Services”, the “Ability to Track and Trace Consignments”
and the “Timeliness of Shipments”. Pakistan recorded a drop in every single sub-component, however the largest
decrease was observed in the categories relating to “The Ability to Track and Trace Consignments” and the
“Efficiency of Customs”. The LPI sub-components are good starting points to reform the logistics sector in
Pakistan. The LPI sub-components are internationally recognised yardstick, which shall enable to measure and
evaluate the reform process in the logistics sector in Pakistan.
• Metric 1. Improve the efficiency of Customs and Border Clearance. The customs performance is the
most inferior and suffered the steepest drop in ranking. Notwithstanding, reforms can be made to improve
the customs performance. The rule of thumb for gauging the efficiency in the clearance process is the
speed, simplicity and predictability of the formalities by the border control agencies, including the
Customs. For instance, Germany, which scores highest in LPI in Customs, expresses most customs
duties and value added tax (VAT) as a percentage of the value of goods being declared for importation,
the other two variables being the “origin of goods” and the “customs tariff”. This simplicity in Customs
brings much needed objectivity, speed and predictability in the clearance process. Operational side of
the Customs also needs major reforms. The consignments have to wait for weeks for the Customs
inspections that may last for only a few minutes. The conduct of Time Release Study (TRS) which maps
the cargo release procedure and measures the time/cost in doing so can facilitate customs improvement
and the use of TRS is endorsed by World Customs Organization (WCO).
• Metric 2. Improve the Quality of Trade and Transport Infrastructure. Overreliance on the road
transport for the movement of the freight poses serious challenges in terms of improving the quality of
the national trade. The quality of trade and transport infrastructure has tangible elements, such as road
and the rail infrastructure and the intangible side such as regulatory controls, standards, dispute
resolutions mechanisms etc. The tangible side of the infrastructure has recorded considerable
improvement since 2007, but very limited attention is paid to the intangible side which is equally
important. The public sector is expected to perform its’ regulatory function which has been to a large
extent missing in the past.
• Metric 3. Ease the Arrangement of Competitively Priced International Shipments. Cartels in the
transport sector coupled with relatively lower number of vessels touching Pakistani ports compromise
price competitiveness for the international shipments. The reforms in Customs, ports, road authorities
and the traffic regulators can substantially reduce the transport costs.
• Metric 4. Improve the Competence and Quality of Logistics Service. Poor logistics infrastructure,
limited regulatory controls and low levels of compliance with national regulations and international
standards, seriously compromise the quality of logistics services. Moreover, vocational and technical
education in logistics and supply chain management is yet to flourish in the country, which also
downgrades the level of skill and knowledge. The public sector is expected to streamline the logistics
infrastructure by formulating regulatory controls and ensuring their compliance. Moreover, as the share
69
of the transport and the logistics is increasing in the GDP; which is expected to increase further in the
post-CPEC scenario, educational institutions may consider developing specialised logistics and the
supply chain management degrees, courses, and certifications.
• Metric 5. Improve the ability to track and trace consignments. A very small percentage of road
transport provides tracking facilities, while no such facility exists on the rail network. Track and trace at
Customs is also seldom used. All these factors contribute towards lowering the ability to track and trace
the individual consignments. The customs, ports and the railways organisations should promote and
incentivise the track and trace, with road transport being encouraged to install traceability within vehicles.
• Metric 6. Improve Timeliness of Shipments. Factors such as slow and unpredictable road transport,
slow customs clearance, longer wait times at the port and possible quarantine at the destination ports
can result in a failure to meet shipment deadlines and lost business for both exporters and importers.
The proposed Courier and Logistics Regulatory Authority and the Customs should start measuring these
shipments that fail to meet target times, and to identify all relevant factors that caused the delay and take
measures to avert them in the future.
Figure 5 – Comparing Logistics Performance Index Scores (2010 – 2018)
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NATIONAL FREIGHT AND

Final, 28 April 2020

2. State of Pakistan’s Freight and Logistics Sector ...................................................................................6

3. Justification for the NFLP .........................................................................................................................9

4. Vision, Principles and Objectives ......................................................................................................... 12

5. Policy actions .......................................................................................................................................... 18

6. Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................................................................ 37

Annex A. Implementation Matrix ............................................................................................................... 38

Annex B. Logistics Performance Indicators ............................................................................................ 69

2. State of Pakistan’s Freight and

3. Justification for the NFLP

Box 3. Why is Multimodal Logistics Important? Comparing Road vs Rail Transport

3.2. Potential Benefits

4. Vision, Principles and Objectives

This can be visualized as follows:

Box 4. Annotations to the Vision

Box 5. The 5 C’s and the role of the Government

Information and Capacity Building

Objective 1. Realign institutions and provide an effective regulatory oversight

Objective 2. Stimulate Private Sector Investment by Providing an Enabling Environment for

Objective 4. Enhance Multimodal Linkages

Objective 5. Encourage Freight by Railways

Objective 6. Establish a Modern Trucking Fleet

Objective 7. Build Urban-Rural Connectivity

Objective 8. Develop E-Logistics

Objective 9. Adopt Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Objective 10. Training and Capacity Building of the Industry

5.1. Road Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.2. Rail Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.3. Maritime Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.4. Air Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.5. Inland Waterways Transport

5.6. Urban Transport

Action Description Lead Implementor

Box 6. The Federated Locker

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.7. Rural Transport

5.8. Horizontal: Enabling Governance Structure

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.9. Horizontal: E-Logistics

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.10. Horizontal: Transit Trade Facilitation

Action Description Lead Implementor

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.11. Horizontal: International Conventions, Standards and Agreements

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.12. Horizontal: Information Technology

Action Description Lead Implementor

5.13. Horizontal: Capacity Building

Action Description Lead Implementor

6. Implementation, Monitoring and

Annex A. Implementation Matrix

A.2. Rail Transport

A.3. Maritime Transport