Pakistan is experiencing a modest rise in transshipment activity as Gulf shipping disruptions force carriers to reroute cargo, reported Jeddah's Arab News.

The government last week revised international transshipment rules, allowing cargo handling within and outside ports. Shipping lines diverted vessels from Dubai and Salalah, unloading containers in Karachi instead, according to the Pakistan Ship's Agents Association.



Karachi Port Trust data showed three private terminals handled more than 8,300 TEU this month. Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited managed 1,200 TEU, Karachi International Container Terminal 1,827 TEU and South Asia Pakistan Terminal Limited 5,286 TEU.



Analysts said the uptick is temporary, generating incremental port income but no windfall gains. Investment analyst Unzilla Shaikh noted the benefit remains modest despite diverted cargo flows.



Officials said private terminals pay royalties ranging from $15 to $36 per container to port operators. The diversion has created congestion, with storage areas filled, according to PSAA Secretary-General Syed Tahir Hussain.



Mr Hussain added Pakistan could make itself a permanent transshipment hub by offering more competitive tariffs than rivals such as Dubai, Salalah, Colombo, India and Hong Kong. "Previously, we were not even in the race," he said. "Now Pakistan has a unique opportunity as ships are looking for nearby alternatives."