ISLAMABAD: The Joint War Committee has removed Pakistan and its territorial waters from the international list of high-risk maritime areas, potentially ending additional war-risk insurance requirements for ships calling at Pakistani ports.
Pakistan’s removal from the high-risk maritime list marks an important development for the country’s shipping sector, as vessels operating in designated high-risk areas can face additional insurance costs because of war, terrorism and other security-related maritime risks.
Why was Pakistan placed on the high-risk list?
The Joint War Committee expanded its list of high-risk maritime areas following heightened tensions in the Middle East.
On March 3, 2026, the committee added Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar to the list. Pakistan’s coastal areas were also included in the expanded high-risk maritime zone.
Ships travelling to areas classified as high risk may be subject to additional war-risk insurance premiums or conditions because of concerns over conflict, terrorism and maritime security threats, increasing shipping and trade costs.
How Pakistan sought removal from the list
Pakistan began efforts to secure its removal from the list after concerns that the designation was increasing the cost of maritime trade.
On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a committee headed by the minister for maritime affairs was formed to engage with relevant Lloyd’s authorities.
During the discussions, Pakistani officials presented technical evidence and security data relating to the safety of the country’s coastal areas and territorial waters.
Following the negotiations and review of the information provided, the Joint War Committee decided to remove Pakistan and its territorial waters from the international high-risk maritime areas list.
What the decision means for maritime trade
Following Pakistan’s removal, ships calling at Pakistani ports will no longer face additional war-risk insurance requirements linked specifically to the high-risk designation.
The change could help lower shipping costs, improve the competitiveness of Pakistani ports and support the country’s regional trade connectivity and transshipment capacity.
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