KARACHI: Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Single Window (PSW), Syed Aftab Haider has said that a state-of-the-art Maritime Single Window platform PortVerse has been launched to promote digitization and streamline maritime trade.
The PSW launched the platform in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, with an objective to automate port operations, reduce costs and delays, and bring transparency and efficiency in line with international standards.
Talking to APP, Aftab termed the launch of the ‘Single Window’ system as a transformative development aimed at streamlining and digitizing trade processes in Pakistan, emphasizing that the initiative was revolutionizing the import and export landscape by making it faster, more transparent, and highly integrated.
The PortVerse integrated digital system is designed to automate and centralize the arrival and departure processes of vessels at Pakistani ports, bringing them in line with international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“The purpose of PortVerse is to provide a single, automated platform that facilitates ship arrivals, departures, and related regulatory procedures,” said Haider. “This will enhance transparency, save time and costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.”
The platform connects key stakeholders including port authorities, customs, immigration, port health, and shipping agents and allow them to deliver coordinated, high-quality services. Built on advanced technology and interoperability, PortVerse promotes better coordination between government institutions and the private sector.
Haider highlighted that the implementation of PortVerse and the broader Pakistan Single Window initiative aligns with Pakistan’s obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Since its full activation in 2022, PSW has automated and streamlined all import, export, and transit-related approvals under a unified digital framework.
As of now, 23 commercial banks, 29 government agencies, and the complete Pakistan Customs data system are integrated with PSW. Additionally, over 32 regulatory bodies that issue licenses, permits, and NOCs for various goods are now part of the PSW network—significantly enhancing both transparency and speed in the approval process.
Haider pointed out that before PSW, traders had to spend days obtaining clearances from multiple departments.
Now, these services are accessible through a single digital platform, reducing the clearance time from several days to just a few hours. The system has led to a significant reduction in paperwork, corruption, and procedural delays.
He also noted that the platform provides secure access to historical records, with data as far back as 2011 readily available and easily updatable. “PSW is also helping document previously unregulated sectors, such as construction and communication companies, contributing to greater formalization of the economy,” he said.
Pakistan’s progress in digital trade facilitation is being recognized globally. Recently, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries have invited Pakistan to take a leadership role in developing Single Window systems across the Islamic world.
Moreover, Pakistan has improved its score by 5 percentage points in the Global Digital Trade Facilitation Index since 2023.
Currently, over 300 highly trained professionals are working at PSW, including more than 250 IT specialists. The organization operates independently and professionally, without reliance on traditional government perks such as official vehicles or chauffeurs.
CEO Aftab Haider praised the collective efforts of public and private sector partners, attributing the success of the initiative to effective collaboration and strategic use of modern technology. He reaffirmed PSW’s commitment to expanding regional digital trade connectivity and integration, with the goal of establishing Pakistan as a key trade hub in the region.
