Pakistan’s transport sector has posted a strong performance in FY2024-25, generating $981.5 million in export revenue—marking a 27.9% jump compared to last year’s $767.4 million, according to fresh data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Sea Freight Powers Maritime Growth
Maritime transport saw a significant boost, earning $147.2 million, a 34.3% increase over last year. Much of this growth came from a 51.8% surge in sea freight services, which climbed from $61.6 million to $93.5 million. Other sea transport services, such as support and logistics, also improved slightly, rising 11.8% to $53.7 million.
Air Transport Expands, Passenger Services Slip
Air transport remains the country’s top contributor, bringing in $778.3 million—a 24.1% increase. However, this growth was not uniform:
- Passenger service exports fell 7.7%, from $445.2 million to $410.9 million, likely reflecting global travel trends and rising competition.
- Freight activity in aviation skyrocketed, more than doubling from $13 million to $28.6 million.
- “Other” air transport services, which include handling and auxiliary operations, surged 100.8% to $338.8 million.
Road Transport and Courier Services Gain Momentum
Road-based services also recorded impressive growth, with revenue up 58.7% to $40.1 million. Freight earnings rose 34.9%, while other road-related services—like cross-border logistics—jumped 63.3%.
Courier and postal services had an even more dramatic performance, almost tripling revenue from $5.5 million to $15.9 million, pointing to a growing reliance on e-commerce and cross-border deliveries.
What’s Driving the Numbers?
The sharp increase in freight services, both air and sea, signals Pakistan’s expanding role in global trade logistics, even as passenger transport revenue shows signs of stagnation. Rising demand for e-commerce-driven courier services also reflects shifting trade dynamics, with logistics providers benefiting from regional trade flows and supply chain diversification.
