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The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch celebrated World Maritime Day 2026 in Karachi on Wednesday, September 30.
The event was held at the PC Hotel under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Seafarers, maritime professionals and Pakistan Navy personnel attended the event. Representatives of port authorities and the wider maritime industry also joined. Families of participants were present at the gathering.
The occasion also marked the 50th anniversary of the CILT Pakistan Branch.
Branch Chairman Capt. Farid Masud led the celebration. Vice Chairman Capt. Ali Asghar Khan and Honorary Secretary Syed Adnan Ahmad Mahmoodi also helped organise the event.
The programme featured three sessions. Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander Pakistan, attended the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Capt. Ali Asghar Khan said World Maritime Day is more than a celebration. He said it recognises trade, prosperity and mutual growth.
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All stakeholders, he added, must contribute to the development of the maritime sector.
Capt. Farid Masud highlighted the importance of seafarers and maritime trade. He called for greater cooperation among stakeholders to support shared growth.
Ms Erum Tanveer, DGPR, PID Karachi, discussed Pakistan’s Blue Economy potential. She noted that the country has more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline.
Her remarks also covered the role of the media in communicating government policies. According to Tanveer, the Press Information Department acts as a bridge between policymakers and the public.
She encouraged stakeholders to build partnerships with PID. Such cooperation, she said, could help communicate maritime policies more effectively.
Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, discussed the organisation’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Karachi Shipyard is working to build indigenous ships that meet international standards, he said.
However, the rear admiral pointed to challenges facing the local industry. Existing duties and market conditions can make importing a ship easier than building one locally, he said.
The inaugural session also featured a video message from Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.
Messages were also delivered by representatives of The Nautical Institute, International Chartered Shipbrokers and ISWAN.
Speakers stressed the need to turn maritime policies into practical measures. They also highlighted the importance of protecting seafarers.
Vice Admiral Abdul Munib praised the maritime community for its contribution to Pakistan’s progress. He highlighted the sacrifices made by sailors and seafarers.
The commander said the Merchant Navy deserves recognition for its services. Existing policies and international conventions must also be properly implemented, he added.
Maritime safety in the Middle East was another focus of his remarks. He said sea routes should remain safe and open for mariners.
The technical session featured presentations and discussions on key maritime matters.
Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, former Chairman of Port Qasim Authority, attended as the chief guest.
Participants discussed maritime challenges and considered practical approaches to strengthen the sector.
The closing session was attended by Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Moazzam Ilyas, Chairman of Port Qasim Authority.
He addressed the gathering on recommendations from technical papers presented during the event.
The programme concluded with dinner. Guests and their families also had an opportunity to interact.
The celebration provided a platform for maritime professionals to exchange views and strengthen professional ties. It also reaffirmed the importance of turning maritime policies into practical action.
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