KARACHI: The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch celebrated World Maritime Day 2026 on Wednesday, September 30, 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, port authority representatives and other stakeholders from the maritime industry, along with their families. The occasion also marked the 50th anniversary of the CILT Pakistan Branch.
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. The inaugural session was attended by Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, HI(M), S.Bt., Commander Pakistan (COMPAK), as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Capt. Ali Asghar Khan said World Maritime Day was not merely a celebration but an opportunity to recognise the maritime sector’s contribution to trade, prosperity and mutual growth. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to contribute to the sector’s shared objectives.
Capt. Farid Masud highlighted the importance of seafarers and maritime trade and called for greater cooperation among stakeholders to promote mutual growth and shared prosperity.
Ms. Erum Tanveer, DGPR, PID Karachi, spoke about the potential of Pakistan’s Blue Economy, noting the country’s coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres. She also highlighted the role of the media in communicating government policies and said the Press Information Department could serve as a bridge between policymakers and the public.
Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, HI(M), Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, highlighted the organisation’s efforts to build ships locally to international standards. He also raised concerns about the existing regulatory and duty environment, saying it can make importing ships easier than developing them domestically.
The inaugural session included a video message from IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, along with messages from Capt. John Lloyd, CEO of The Nautical Institute UK; Krishnan Subramanian, International Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping Brokers UK; and Simon Grainge, Chief Executive of ISWAN. The speakers emphasised the importance of translating maritime policies into practical measures to improve the safety and security of seafarers.
Vice Admiral Abdul Munib appreciated the maritime community’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic development and highlighted the sacrifices made by sailors and seafarers. He said the Merchant Navy deserved recognition for its contribution alongside the country’s uniformed services.
He said policies and international conventions relating to seafarers were already in place, but accidents could occur when established safety measures were not properly implemented.
Referring to security challenges in the Middle East, Vice Admiral Abdul Munib stressed that maritime routes should remain open and safe for seafarers. He said maritime excellence could not be achieved through conferences alone and required the effective implementation of policies and safety standards.
The technical session featured presentations and discussions on key maritime issues. Its chief guest was Rear Admiral (Retd.) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, HI(M), former Chairman of Port Qasim Authority. Participants exchanged views on practical approaches to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime 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 participants on recommendations arising from technical papers prepared and presented by Ms. Ayesha Masood Khawaja, FCILT/WiLAT Executive Director of SeaCare Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
The event concluded with a dinner, providing participants and their families an opportunity to interact and strengthen professional and community ties.
The celebration also served as a platform for maritime professionals and the wider seafaring community to exchange experiences, build professional connections and reaffirm their commitment to translating maritime policies into effective practices.