The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Karachi, in collaboration with Bahria University Karachi, organised a seminar on Thursday to commemorate World Maritime Day 2026 and discuss Pakistan’s maritime potential and future opportunities.
The seminar was held in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” Senator Rubina Qaim Khani, Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, attended the event as chief guest.
The gathering brought together maritime leaders, policymakers, industry professionals, academics and experts to examine Pakistan’s maritime potential, emerging challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth.
The event opened with a welcome address by Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal (Retd), President of NIMA. Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas, HI(M) (Retd), Chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA), delivered the keynote address.
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Other speakers included Dr Syed Nazir Abbas Zaidi, Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC); Hubert Schaafsma, Head of the Department of Nautical Studies at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands; and Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, SI(M), S Bt (Retd), Chairman of Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
The speakers shared perspectives on Pakistan’s maritime sector, international developments and the measures needed to strengthen the country’s role in the global maritime economy.
A panel discussion moderated by Commodore Ali Abbas, SI(M) (Retd), focused on several key areas of maritime development. Panelists included Jawed Iqbal, Ateeq ur Rehman, M. Moazzam Khan, Aafia Salam and Yasir Hadi.
The discussion covered sustainable maritime development, fisheries, marine environmental protection, cooperation between industry and other stakeholders, and the potential of coastal tourism.
Participants emphasised the importance of closer coordination among government institutions, academia, industry and maritime stakeholders to address emerging challenges and unlock Pakistan’s maritime potential.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration across the maritime sector and translating policy initiatives into practical measures for a sustainable and prosperous maritime future for Pakistan.
