The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch Celebrates World Maritime Day 2026

Karachi: The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch celebrated World Maritime Day 2026 on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at the PC Hotel, Karachi, under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The event brought together seafarers, maritime professionals, Pakistan Navy personnel, representatives of port authorities and the wider maritime industry, along with their families, providing an opportunity for the maritime community to connect, exchange ideas and reaffirm its shared commitment to the development of the sector. At the main event, the 50th Anniversary of the CILT Pakistan Branch was also celebrated on the occasion.

The celebration was organised under the leadership of Branch Chairman Capt. Farid Masud, FNI, FCILT, PHF; Vice Chairman Capt. Ali Asghar Khan; and Honorary Secretary Syed Adnan Ahmad Mahmoodi, FCILT, MNI, MICS, MCMI, BII.

The programme comprised three sessions, beginning with the inaugural session, which was attended by Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, HI(M), S.Bt., Commander Pakistan (COMPAK), as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, Vice Chairman, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch, said that World Maritime Day is not merely a day of celebration; it is a recognition of trade, prosperity and mutual growth. He stressed that all stakeholders must play their part in fulfilling the shared commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

Capt. Farid Masud, FNI, FCILT, Chairman, The Nautical Institute (Pakistan Branch), highlighted the importance of seafarers and maritime trade and called upon all stakeholders to strive for mutual growth and shared prosperity.

Ms. Erum Tanveer, DGPR, PID Karachi, shed light on the role of the Blue Economy in Pakistan’s transformation. She highlighted that Pakistan, with more than 1,000 km of coastline, cannot overlook the immense potential of the Blue Economy. She stressed the role of the media as an amplifier of policies and highlighted PID’s endeavours as a bridge between policymakers and the general public. She said that PID is not merely a disseminator of policies but also plays a central role in amplifying them to the public, and called upon stakeholders to build partnerships with PID to effectively communicate their policies to the general public.

Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, HI(M), MD Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, highlighted the role of KSY&EW in building indigenous ships of international quality. He, however, lamented that the existing environment and duties are not conducive to the indigenous industry, making it easier to import a ship than to build one locally.

The inaugural session also featured a video message from H.E. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, along with messages from Capt. John Lloyd, CEO, The Nautical Institute UK; Mr. Krishnan Subramanian, FICS, International Chairman, International Charterd Shipbrokers UK; and Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, ISWAN. The speakers stressed the importance of translating policies into practice to ensure the safety and security of seafarers.

Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, HI(M), S.Bt., Commander Pakistan (COMPAK), appreciated the maritime community for its services to the nation’s progress. He highlighted the sacrifices of sailors and seafarers and said that the Merchant Navy deserves equal respect for its services as those serving in the uniformed services. He stressed that sufficient policies and conventions are already in place for seafarers, and accidents occur when these are not properly followed.

He regretted that, despite significant advancements, seafarers still face challenges that can cost them their lives. Referring to the situation in the Middle East, he said that the seas should remain open and safe for mariners and that their safety should be ensured above all else. He said that excellence at sea cannot be achieved through conferences alone, but by translating policies into practice.

The technical session featured paper presentations and an exchange of views on maritime matters. Its Chief Guest was Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, HI(M), former Chairman of Port Qasim Authority. The session provided an opportunity for participants to discuss maritime issues and consider practical approaches towards strengthening the sector.

The closing session was attended by Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Moazzam Ilyas, HI(M), Chairman of Port Qasim Authority, as Chief Guest. He addressed the gathering on the recommendations of the technical papers prepared and presented by Ms. Ayesha Masood Khawaja, FCILT/WiLAT Executive Director, SeaCare Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.

The evening concluded with dinner and an opportunity for guests and their families to meet and interact.

The purpose of the event went beyond discussing the World Maritime Day theme. It provided a platform for the seafaring community and professionals working across the maritime sector to come together, share experiences, build professional connections and strengthen their sense of community, while reaffirming the importance of translating maritime policies into practice.