Ports and Shipping, the Most Neglected Sector of National Economics
By: 

The integral components of transport sector include Sear, Air, Road and Rail sectors. Unfortunately, in Pakistan these sectors of Transport are handled by different Ministries which we consider is the main reason of malaise in the transport sector. The Govt. of Pakistan may consider to set up an independent Ministry of Transport for streamlining affairs in this most significant sector or at least should formulate coordination and close cooperation within this sector without taking such a step it to well nigh impossible streamline affairs in the transport sector. 

The present sub-sectional allocations within the transport sector depicts a vivid picture of unjust allocations stating clearly that the ports and shipping sector is the most neglected sector of national economy.

Due to involvement of separate Ministries and their bureaucratic procedures we have been unable to produce a modern and efficient transport sector.

In toady's modern world cargoes of the world when carried involve Sea, Air, Road and Rail Systems as integrated cargo movements with uniform documentation.

There is an urgent need to adopt such a practice of movement of cargoes in Pakistan else wise we cannot remain competitive in world market.

When power is wielded by the Defense Forces it is ultimately exercised by people who are least suited for the jobs entrusted to them both by virtue of experience, qualification and temperament, too. Unfortunately, Pakistan has remained under the direct clutches of Military Rule for some twenty six year in the entire history of Pakistan and even during short intervals of democracy the organizations have been headed by the Generals, Air Marshals and Admirals of the Armed Forces who are neither trained or qualified nor have experience of running organizations on commercial lines. This is termed as "Administrative Corruption". The four ingredients in a commercially oriented organization include Money, Manpower, Machinery and Management.

More than enough money has been invested in the organizations by taking loans from outside and within Pakistan; so this segment is well taken care of.

As regards manpower, we are thankful to the Almighty that in Pakistan we have the best manpower available; as such this element is also satisfactory, however, modern training and techniques training programmes are required to upgrade the skills of manpower available in Pakistan.

Machinery being another significant factor which to a great degree is also well taken care of.

As regards the Management we feel that due to the present non-professional incumbents of the stewardship of almost all organizations in Pakistan a very high degree of inefficiency and corruption is existing in Pakistan.

Changes in legislation to control and administer the transport sector are considered vital. For instance, in the Ports and Shipping Sector we have an obsolete "Merchant Shipping Act of 1923, which cannot cater for the needs of modern shipping.

There is insufficient information available on the shipping sector and we understand that greater attention is to be given to this most neglected sector of national economy.

Presently, Pakistan is forced to pay over US Dollars 1.6 Billion each year to cater for its trade needs. Our national fleet has shrunk to Sixteen ships from Seventy two in 1970. We carry hardly Five percent of Pakistan's sea borne trade and the rest of the cargoes are handled by foreign shipping lines.

In case of hostilities in the region no foreign ship owner shall risk his ships in the troubled waters for Pakistan's trade thus the whole economy of Pakistan will collapse.