PNSC Restructuring: Pakistan to Hire Global Shipping Consultants, MSC Agrees to Send a Delegation
Ishaq Dar ordered world-class consultants to plan the restructuring of PNSC on 13 November 2026, and shipping giant MSC agreed to send a team to Pakistan.
Short answer: Pakistan will hire world-class shipping and financial consultants to plan the restructuring of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar gave the order on 13 November 2026. The same day, one of the world's largest shipping companies, MSC, agreed to send a team to Pakistan to look at port and logistics investment.
Neither step changes freight, ports or PNSC services yet. The consultants still have to be chosen, and the MSC visit has no date. Both moves concern Pakistan's shipping and port trade.
Ishaq Dar ordered global consultants for the PNSC restructuring
Ishaq Dar told the authorities to engage world-class shipping and financial consultants to prepare a roadmap for PNSC. The roadmap should raise commercial returns, strengthen Pakistan's sea trade logistics and protect national economic interests. He said the process must be professional and follow global standards.
The meeting discussed turning PNSC into a competitive, commercially viable and globally recognised shipping company. It reviewed proposals to improve how PNSC operates and to bring its corporate governance in line with international best practice.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the Maritime Affairs Secretary and other senior officials attended. The government's statement does not mention selling PNSC, a new board, or a deadline.
| Step | Stage on 13 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| PNSC restructuring proposals | Reviewed at the meeting |
| Hiring of shipping and financial consultants | Ordered, not yet hired |
| Restructuring roadmap | To be prepared by the consultants |
| Cabinet or ECC approval | Not mentioned |
| Change for shippers or passengers | None so far |
PNSC is Pakistan's national shipping line, with 13 ships
PNSC is Pakistan's state shipping company. It was formed in 1979 by merging the National Shipping Corporation and the Pakistan Shipping Corporation. Its own timeline says its fleet grew to 13 modern ships of more than 1 million deadweight tonnes in 2021 to 2023.
Deadweight tonnage (DWT) is how much cargo, fuel and stores a ship can carry. PNSC works in four main segments:
- Tankers, for crude oil and fuel.
- Dry bulk ships, for loose cargo carried in the hold.
- Chartering, where PNSC hires ships from other owners.
- Containers, along with ship management, repairs and agency work.
PNSC describes itself as the nation's sole national shipping carrier and says it is open to public private partnership. It started carrying crude oil imports in the early 1980s through the National Tanker Company.
MSC agreed to send a delegation to Pakistan
Board of Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met MSC Chief Executive Soren Toft in Geneva on 13 November 2026. MSC showed interest in investing in Pakistan and agreed to send a delegation. No date for the visit was given.
The minister presented Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar as gateways for regional trade. The areas named for possible cooperation are:
- Port-related infrastructure.
- Container handling.
- Shipping and logistics services.
- Warehousing.
- Transshipment, meaning cargo moved between ships at a port on the way to its final destination.
- Integrated supply chain services.
MSC, the Mediterranean Shipping Company, is based in Geneva. The Board of Investment says it runs about 1,000 ships, serves more than 520 ports in over 155 countries, and holds about 21 to 22% of world container shipping capacity.
MSC already runs a direct Karachi to Europe service
MSC is not new to Pakistan. In October 2026 the Maritime Affairs Ministry said MSC had brought back its weekly direct service from Karachi to European ports. Any new investment would add to that existing link.
The background is in our report on direct shipping from Karachi to Europe. A direct call means exporters' boxes do not have to change ships on the way, which can cut transit time.
Exporters and importers can follow ship movements themselves. The Karachi Port Trust lists expected arrivals, explained in check a ship's arrival at Karachi Port. For Gwadar, the state of the port and nearby projects is in Gwadar's CPEC projects.
What to watch next for PNSC and MSC
The next public steps would be the hiring of consultants for PNSC, their roadmap, and a date for the MSC delegation.
PNSC shares trade on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, so shareholders can also watch its stock exchange notices. We will report when the consultants are appointed or the MSC team arrives.
Common questions
Is PNSC being privatised?
The government's statement of 13 November 2026 speaks of restructuring with global consultants. It does not mention privatisation or a sale.
Who ordered the PNSC restructuring roadmap?
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, at a meeting in Islamabad on 13 November 2026.
How many ships does PNSC have?
PNSC's own timeline says its fleet grew to 13 modern ships of more than 1 million deadweight tonnes in 2021 to 2023.
What did MSC agree to do in Pakistan?
MSC agreed to send a delegation to Pakistan to explore investment in ports, container handling, shipping, logistics, warehousing and transshipment. No date is set.
Will freight rates change because of this?
Not now. No consultant has been hired and no investment has been signed. Freight rates depend on shipping lines and global markets.
When was PNSC formed?
In 1979, by merging the National Shipping Corporation and the Pakistan Shipping Corporation.
How we verified this
What we checked and where we read it.
We checked these facts on 14 November 2026. The PNSC meeting and Ishaq Dar's directions are from the Press Information Department release of 13 November 2026 (PR No. 169), and the Geneva meeting with MSC from PR No. 158 of the same day, both on pid.gov.pk. PNSC's formation, fleet, segments and partnership statement are from the company's own site, pnsc.com.pk. MSC's fleet and market share figures are as given in the Board of Investment release. PNSC's site shows its cargo statistics through animated counters, so we have not quoted those numbers.
About the author
Global Affairs & Political Economy Writer
Muhammad Hatim is a book lover who started writing because he enjoys it. At Pakistan Era he writes about international relations, geopolitics and the global economy, with a particular interest in South Asia and the forces behind current events.
