BlueNet+ organised the seminar under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”. Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) supported the event at KPT Staff College in Lalazar.

The seminar brought together 13 speakers and representatives from 57 organisations. Participants included government institutions, maritime organisations, universities, research bodies, environmental agencies, businesses, media organisations, tourism and fisheries representatives, civil society groups, professionals, youth and students.

Focus on policy and implementation

BlueNet+ Founder and CEO Dr Nuzhat Khan said Pakistan does not simply need more policies. She called for stronger coordination and implementation of policies already in place.

She said the Blue Economy should form part of national economic planning. Maritime considerations, she added, should connect with policies covering trade, investment, climate, tourism, fisheries, environment, science and technology.

Dr Khan identified economic prosperity, ecosystem health and human well-being as three key pillars of a sustainable Blue Economy.

She said science, policy, governance, finance and technology should support these pillars.

Business and investment opportunities

Shabbir Hassan Mansha, Chairman of PALIMA and Mansha Group and former FPCCI vice president, highlighted the role of maritime trade and investment.

He called for greater private-sector participation to turn Pakistan’s maritime resources into economic opportunities.

Mansha said Pakistan needs an enabling business environment, efficient ports and logistics systems and investment-friendly policies.

He also called for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors to expand trade and create new opportunities in the maritime economy.

Science and data to guide decisions

NIO Director General Engr Naimatullah Sohoo stressed the importance of marine research and ocean data.

He said Pakistan needs stronger links between scientific research and policymaking. Scientific knowledge should support practical decisions, investment and sustainable development, he added.

PID Karachi Director General Iram Tanveer highlighted the role of media and strategic communication.

She said greater public awareness could help bring the Blue Economy into the national conversation. Media can also help connect maritime policies and opportunities with communities, she added.

Wider maritime issues discussed

Participants discussed a broad range of maritime issues during the seminar.

These included maritime trade, investment, marine science, fisheries and coastal tourism. Climate resilience, biodiversity, pollution and waste management also featured in the discussions.

Speakers also examined digitalisation, entrepreneurship and greater participation by women and young people.

The seminar stressed responsible ocean governance and stronger cooperation among government, researchers, businesses, academia, media and communities.

The participants outlined a pathway linking research and data with evidence, integrated policy, investment, implementation and measurable impact.

Concluding the seminar, Dr Nuzhat Khan called for a collective shift from policy development to practical implementation.

She said Pakistan’s Blue Economy should support economic prosperity, a healthy marine environment and human well-being while protecting the country’s maritime resources for future generations.