International Maritime Conference begins at Karachi Expo Centre

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi. The International Maritime Conference has officially begun at the Karachi Expo Centre, running alongside the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC-25). Organized by the Pakistan Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the event brought together policymakers, naval professionals, industry leaders, and maritime experts from around the world to discuss key global naval issues.

The chief guest of the inaugural ceremony was Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. In his address, Minister Aurangzeb stressed the vital role of the maritime sector in Pakistan’s economic recovery and sustainable development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to harness the vast potential of the blue economy as a cornerstone of national development, highlighting the need to promote public-private partnerships, modernize port infrastructure, and enhance regional maritime trade to strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience.

Welcoming the distinguished delegates and participants, Rear Admiral Javed Iqbal (R), President (Designate) NIMA, stressed the importance of such forums in shaping maritime policy and providing valuable insights for the government’s strategic planning and policy formulation.

The inaugural day featured a robust agenda of insightful addresses and presentations by senior naval officials, scholars, and maritime strategists. The discussions revolved around the conference theme, “Harnessing the Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Development”, which covered topics such as maritime security, marine resource management, technological innovation, and collaborative frameworks for sustainable maritime governance.

The two-day conference promises to continue with thematic sessions, expert panels, and policy discussions aimed at advancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional connectivity, and driving sustainable economic growth through responsible marine resource management. The conference is being attended by a large number of delegates from allied countries, academic institutions, research institutes, and the maritime industry, confirming Pakistan’s emerging role as a hub for regional maritime dialogue and cooperation.

As the conference progresses, participants are set to explore collaborative solutions to maritime safety and security, with the aim of establishing a more sustainable future for the maritime sector in South Asia and beyond.