Maritime minister highlights enforcement, professional training and institutional coordination as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its maritime sector.
ISLAMABAD, September 24, 2026: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said Pakistan is implementing international maritime regulations across the sector, stressing the importance of effective enforcement, professional training and coordination among institutions.
In a message marking World Maritime Day 2026, the minister said this year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, highlights the need to translate international maritime conventions, regulations and policies into effective action across ships and port operations.
He said the value of maritime policies and international standards ultimately depends on how effectively they are implemented through legislation, enforcement, training and capacity building.
Coordination Needed to Strengthen Maritime Standards
Junaid Chaudhry said effective implementation of maritime standards required close coordination between government institutions, regulators, port authorities, shipping companies, seafarers and other stakeholders.
He particularly stressed the importance of training and technical cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of seafarers and maritime professionals and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards.
The minister said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs remained focused on strengthening maritime and navigational safety, protecting the marine environment, improving the resilience of the shipping sector and developing Pakistan’s blue economy.
Maritime Education Fund to Support Coastal Communities
Junaid Chaudhry also highlighted measures aimed at strengthening maritime education and skills development.
The government is establishing a Maritime Educational Endowment Fund to expand access to education and support workforce development in the maritime sector. Earlier government plans envisaged the fund developing a substantial scholarship corpus over time to support students, particularly from coastal communities.
The minister also said the Pakistan Marine Academy was being upgraded into a degree-awarding institution to strengthen professional education and training.
The proposed upgrade has already moved forward, with a bill for granting degree-awarding status expected to be presented before the National Assembly.
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard to Be Modernised
Speaking about maritime infrastructure, Junaid Chaudhry said work had commenced on the Rs12 billion modernisation project for the Gadani shipbreaking yard.
The project aims to transform Gadani into a model green ship-recycling facility aligned with international climate, environmental and safety standards. The government approved the Rs12 billion project in June 2025, with measures covering infrastructure, safety mechanisms, hazardous-waste management and environmental safeguards.
The minister has previously stressed that the revitalisation of Gadani should help improve safe and environmentally responsible ship recycling while supporting Pakistan’s broader green-economy objectives.
Focus on Marine Pollution and Ecosystems
Junaid Chaudhry also highlighted the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into maritime activities, particularly efforts to control marine pollution and facilitate the transition towards cleaner shipping.
He said ports were undertaking mangrove restoration initiatives to help protect marine ecosystems.
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has also been conducting regular weekly campaigns aimed at removing marine waste and improving harbour sustainability.
Maritime Sector Linked to Sustainable Development Goals
The minister said the 2026 World Maritime Day theme was closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He noted that effective implementation of maritime policies and standards could contribute to:
• SDG 9 — industry, innovation and infrastructure;
• SDG 13 — climate action;
• SDG 14 — conservation and sustainable use of oceans; and
• SDG 17 — partnerships for sustainable development.
Junaid Chaudhry said the theme held particular significance for Pakistan in areas including port operations, shipping, maritime safety, seafarer training and protection of the marine environment.
Pakistan’s Maritime Century 2047–2147 Vision
Outlining his long-term vision, Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan’s proposed “Maritime Century 2047–2147” framework would focus on expanding deep-sea port capacity and developing AI-enabled maritime industrial complexes for shipbuilding and ship recycling.
The vision also includes greater local ship production, green and digitally enabled ports with multimodal connectivity, and increased regional maritime cooperation.
The government has previously outlined the Maritime Century framework as part of a wider strategy to develop Pakistan into a major regional maritime and blue-economy hub.
The minister said translating maritime policies into effective action would remain essential to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime capabilities, improving safety and environmental standards, and supporting the sector’s long-term development.