Ambreen Khan
Karachi: The second edition of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025) entered its second day at the Karachi Expo Centre, drawing delegates and exhibitors from across the world to highlight Pakistan’s expanding potential in maritime technology, defense innovation, and sustainable aquaculture.
Global participation and strategic focus
Organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and co-hosted by Badar Expo Solutions with support from the Pakistan Navy, the four-day event has drawn participation from 45 countries, including high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, China, Turkey, Cameroon, and Egypt.
At the inauguration, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s strategic location as a natural maritime bridge between East and West but noted that the sector contributes less than one percent to the national GDP. He urged stronger investment in the blue economy to help unlock the country’s untapped potential.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf echoed these views, saying Pakistan’s economic and security future is closely linked to the sustainable development of its maritime domain. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called PIMEC a valuable platform for fostering innovation and collaboration within the maritime industry.
Expanding local manufacturing and innovation
Tanvir Abbas, CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, highlighted steady progress in local manufacturing for maritime applications, which has grown from two percent a decade ago to nearly ten percent today. He said Pakistan’s industries were now capable of producing bullet-proof and bomb-proof vehicles domestically, marking a step toward technological self-reliance.
The expo features around 150 local and 28 international exhibitors showcasing new technologies in maritime defense, electronics, and aquaculture. Among the prominent participants is Stingray Technologies, a Pakistani defense firm that unveiled an unmanned surface vessel capable of reconnaissance and offensive operations, alongside a maritime logistics drone and an integrated ship control system.
Defense technology and drone systems
The National Electronics Complex of Pakistan (NECOP) presented its SAFRAH drone jamming gun, designed to disable hostile drones within a 1.5-kilometre range. The device can operate for up to 40 minutes on a single battery, with live demonstrations scheduled for November 4.
Local drone developers Woot Tech and Winged Innovative Solutions also displayed a variety of fixed-wing and hybrid VTOL platforms for surveillance, mapping, and cargo delivery. Aerospace Baykee Pakistan, a local subsidiary of a Chinese power equipment manufacturer, showcased an unmanned underwater vehicle for deep-sea maintenance and a portable jammer system used by defense agencies.
Women-led aquaculture and sustainability
In the aquaculture segment, Zarwah Enterprises, led by CEO Minahil Yousaf, stood out as Pakistan’s first female-led aquaculture firm. The company offers sustainable fish and shrimp farming solutions, including pond construction, site development, and biosecurity management. AquaTech Fisheries also presented innovations in fish feed production and aquaponics systems.
Opening ceremony and global engagement
The opening ceremony was attended by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser as guest of honour and Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal as chief guest. Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah were also in attendance.
With delegations from 44 countries and 178 exhibitors, PIMEC 2025 reflects growing global interest in Pakistan’s maritime sector. The event will continue until November 6, focusing on technology transfer, economic cooperation, and sustainable marine development.
