Pakistan marks World Maritime Day 2025 with grand seminar in Karachi

Imran Zakir

KARACHI: A grand seminar and celebration was organized on the occasion of World Maritime Day 2025 to discuss in detail the challenges and importance of maritime trade, shipping industry, Blue economy and ports operations on Wednesday at local hotel in Karachi.
The event was attended by experts associated with the maritime sector, students, Merchant Navy officers /Deck Cadets and representatives of various shipping companies in large numbers The event was addressed by the special guests of the event, Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas HI (M) Managing Director. Karachi Shipyard, Director General Pakistan Information department (PID), Irum Tanveer and other guests
The event began with the national anthem. On this occasion, the speakers highlighted the importance of maritime trade in the country’s economy, modern maritime technology and the possibilities of coastal development Experts participating in the event said that Pakistan’s maritime sector has immense opportunities in the region – Modern training, investment and policy support are essential to take advantage of these opportunities Pakistan’s maritime industry is the backbone of the country’s economy – Experts say that if the government and private sector make joint efforts, Pakistan can become the maritime hub of the region.
World Maritime Day 2025 focused on the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” highlighting the maritime sector’s crucial role and its responsibility to protect the marine environment. Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim (PQA) and PNSC officials discussed the strategic initiatives to enhance port performance and sustainability, while the Pakistan Navy emphasized aligning national goals with green maritime practices.
Globally the International Maritime Organization (IMO) used the day to stress the need for reducing pollution, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and preventing biodiversity losses.
The Maritime Training Institute, affiliated with Glasgow College, offers advanced shipping courses and boasts state-of-the-art simulators. Managing Director Adnan Mahmoodi highlights the institute’s international reputation, attracting cadets from Iran, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
Abdul Lateef Siddiqui, Chairman Global radiance group of Companies highlighted the importance of oceans are a vital source of food, energy and biodiversity. They play a central role in regulating the planets Climate. However, they are under increasing pressure from pollution, over exploitation, habitat degradation and climate change.
Obaid Fattah, CEO Sancom Trading said that every day, those vast expanses are traversed by a wide variety of vessels, from cargo ships and fishing boats to pleasure craft and passenger ferries. Modern communication technologies are essential for the safe, secure and efficient operation of all vessels at sea, which is fundamental to protecting the fragile marine environment. He informed about the Pakistan’s modernization in Ship Breaking industry will achieve green technology in 2026 with 11 ship breaking yards.