Market Brief

Pakistan orders up to five container ships to protect Gulf trade from war disruptions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has directed its state-run shipping carrier to acquire up to five container vessels as it seeks to strengthen trade links with Gulf markets amid prolonged maritime disruption from the Iran war, a company spokesperson said. The move comes after the conflict, which began in late February, severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and drove up freight costs, hitting Pakistani exporters reliant on Gulf markets even as overall exports to the region have shown signs of recovery.

Arab News Pakistan | Aug 23, 2026, 6:08 AM