Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch Marks World Maritime Day 2026 in Karachi
The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch marks World Maritime Day 2026 in Karachi.
The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch marked World Maritime Day 2026 at the PC Hotel, Karachi, under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The event brought together seafarers, maritime professionals, Pakistan Navy personnel, port authorities and representatives of the maritime industry.
Families of maritime professionals also attended the gathering. The event provided an opportunity to exchange views and strengthen professional connections.
The celebration also marked the 50th anniversary of the CILT Pakistan Branch.
Maritime Leadership Attends Event
The programme was organised under the leadership of Branch Chairman Capt. Farid Masud, FNI, FCILT, PHF, Vice Chairman Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, and Honorary Secretary Syed Adnan Ahmad Mahmoodi, FCILT, MNI, MICS, MCMI, BII.
Three sessions formed part of the programme.
The inaugural session was attended by Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, HI(M), S.Bt., Commander Pakistan (COMPAK), as Chief Guest.
Capt. Ali Asghar Khan said World Maritime Day represents more than a celebration. According to him, the occasion recognises trade, prosperity and shared growth.
Greater cooperation among maritime stakeholders remains important, he added.
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Capt. Farid Masud highlighted the importance of seafarers and maritime trade. He called for stronger cooperation to promote shared prosperity.
Pakistan’s Blue Economy Potential
Erum Tanveer, DGPR, PID Karachi, discussed the role of the Blue Economy in Pakistan’s economic development.
With more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, Pakistan has significant maritime potential, she noted.
The role of media in communicating government policies also came under discussion. Tanveer said the Press Information Department serves as a bridge between policymakers and the public.
She encouraged maritime stakeholders to develop stronger partnerships with PID. Such cooperation, she said, could improve public communication about maritime policies.
Shipbuilding and Local Industry
Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, HI(M), Managing Director Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, highlighted the organisation’s role in local shipbuilding.
According to him, the shipyard can build vessels that meet international quality standards.
At the same time, he noted that the existing duties and business environment remain challenging for local shipbuilding.
Current conditions can make importing ships easier than building them domestically, he said.
The inaugural session also featured a video message from Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Messages followed from Capt. John Lloyd, CEO of The Nautical Institute UK; Krishnan Subramanian, International Chairman of International Chartered Shipbrokers UK; and Simon Grainge, Chief Executive of ISWAN.
All speakers stressed the need to turn maritime policies into practical measures for seafarer safety and security.
Seafarer Safety Remains a Priority
Vice Admiral Abdul Munib appreciated the maritime community for its contribution to national development.
He highlighted the sacrifices made by sailors and seafarers. The Merchant Navy, he said, deserves recognition for its services to the country.
Existing policies and international conventions provide safeguards for seafarers, he noted.
Proper implementation remains essential because accidents can occur when established measures are not followed.
Seafarers continue to face serious risks despite advances in maritime safety.
Referring to the Middle East situation, the Vice Admiral said maritime routes must remain open and safe for sailors.
Maritime excellence requires more than conferences, he stressed. Effective implementation of policies must remain the priority.
Technical Session Examines Maritime Issues
The technical session featured paper presentations and discussions on key maritime matters.
Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, HI(M), former Chairman of Port Qasim Authority, attended as Chief Guest.
Participants exchanged views on maritime challenges and considered practical approaches to strengthen the sector.
The closing session was attended by Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Moazzam Ilyas, HI(M), Chairman of Port Qasim Authority.
He addressed participants on recommendations emerging from the technical papers.
Ayesha Masood Khawaja, FCILT/WiLAT Executive Director, SeaCare Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., prepared and presented the papers.
The event concluded with dinner and an informal gathering for guests and their families.
Overall, the celebration gave maritime professionals an opportunity to share experiences and build stronger connections.
It also reinforced the central message of World Maritime Day 2026: maritime policies must move from paper to practical action.
