Pakistan weighs shipping fallback after limited Hormuz access

Pakistan is examining emergency maritime options after Iran agreed to allow a limited number of Pakistan-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for the country’s fuel and fertiliser supply chain.

According to the report, Islamabad may consider allowing foreign vessels to operate under the Pakistani flag because the country does not currently have enough ships positioned in the Gulf to fully use the arrangement. Officials said no final decision has been taken, but the move reflects the urgency created by the region’s prolonged conflict and the resulting disruption to global energy flows.

The report added that two Pakistan-flagged ships could be allowed to transit the strait each day under the understanding reached with Tehran. Kuwait has also signalled support for Pakistan-flagged vessels through fuel assistance, underscoring the growing regional effort to keep essential cargo moving as supply pressures intensify.