Summary：**Govt urged to form permanent ‘Inland Waterway Transport Authority’ – Business Recorder****Introduc

**Govt urged to form permanent ‘Inland Waterway Transport Authority’ – Business Recorder**

**Introduction**
Industry leaders and transport experts are pressing the government to establish a permanent Inland Waterway Transport Authority (IWTA) to streamline the country’s river‑based logistics network. The call follows a series of stakeholder meetings held in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, where participants highlighted chronic inefficiencies that have hampered the growth of inland waterway transport despite its potential to ease road congestion and lower freight costs.

**Key Developments**
During the latest forum, representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, and several logistics firms presented a joint proposal outlining the authority’s mandate. The IWTA would be tasked with:

- Developing a national inland waterway master plan that identifies navigable routes, required dredging depths, and terminal upgrades.
- Standardising safety regulations, vessel certification processes, and crew training programmes across provinces.
- Coordinating with provincial irrigation and fisheries departments to resolve jurisdictional overlaps that have delayed project approvals.
- Establishing a transparent fee‑collection system for port‑state services and facilitating public‑private partnerships for terminal infrastructure.

Officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs acknowledged the proposal’s merit but cautioned that legislative amendments would be necessary to grant the new body regulatory teeth.

**Industry Analysis**
Analysts note that Pakistan’s inland waterways span over 5,000 kilometres, yet they currently handle less than 5 % of domestic freight. Comparative studies with India and Bangladesh reveal that a dedicated authority can boost modal share by up to 15 % within five years, primarily by reducing transit times and cutting fuel consumption. The absence of a unified regulator has led to fragmented investment, inconsistent maintenance schedules, and limited private sector confidence. Experts argue that an IWTA would not only attract foreign direct investment in modern barge fleets but also generate ancillary benefits such as reduced emissions and lower road wear, aligning with the nation’s climate commitments.

**Future Outlook**
If the government moves forward, the first 12 months would likely focus on drafting the IWTA Act, securing budgetary allocations, and piloting the authority on the Indus River corridor between Sukkur and Kotri. Successful pilot outcomes could trigger a phased rollout to the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa water networks. Stakeholders warn, however, that delays in legislative approval or insufficient funding could perpetuate the status quo, keeping inland water transport