Navigating the Future: Safety First

Karachi, September 19, 2024- Directorate of Electronic Media and Publication (DEMP) in collaboration with Maritime Training Institute (MTI) and Nautical Institute of Pakistan organised a seminar to commemorate the World Maritime Day: an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) event on Thursday Sept 19, 2024 at Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi.

The seminar was orchestrated to celebrate the International Maritime Day. IMO acts as a primary platform for the entire global community- IMO ensured a binding contract for maritime safety, that was achieved in 1974 by officiating a treaty. World Maritime Day is celebrated through specific and varying themes, selected by Secretary General of IMO to call worldwide attention to maritime development efforts- theme for 2024 is Navigating the future: Safety first.

World Maritime day is dedicated to focus on the importance of shipping and creating a more viable and sustainable maritime future with adopting technological advancement as part and parcel of the maritime community.

Her Excellency Sarah Mooney, Deputy High Commissioner- British High Commission, congratulated the Pakistan Maritime community for organising the event and that Karachi with its boundless potential remains a hub. Pakistan blue economy being incorporated into its National economy is quintessential for the country’s general growth. “Pakistan has a coastline of over a 1000 km which is home to a number of different species of marine mammals, plants and deep mineral resources.”

Her Excellency went on to state, “the blue economy has not yet tapped its full potential which stands at a generating a staggering 1 billion dollars for Pakistan Economy.” She also expressed that on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of 1974 solace convention a Nautical Milestone, the theme on Nautical safety partly reflects the collective efforts for the entire maritime community.

She congratulated Pakistan for ratifying Hong Kong Convention, a step that is crucial in ensuring that ships at the end of their lives do not pose a threat to the safety of the environment. She further mentioned that the World Navy’s Commodore Anderson just a week back was in Pakistan to congratulate the country for the work they do as part of the 46 Nations CMF( Protecting Lives of Sea- East of Pakistan, left of Tanzania).

President of Institute for Chartered Shipbrokers Kevin Shakesheff (UK) pointed how transportation of goods continues to grow globally and growing economies are a signal that we need to fill our seas with bigger, better and more robust ships and vessels in order to meet the transportation requirement which amounts to 80% of all goods globally being transported through ships. Future is hybrid, and ships in the future will be manned by fewer pupil onboard. Thus a mechanised future means that the maritime community must absorb technology to stay relevant and sustainable.

Madam Irum Tanveer Odho, DG (PR) Press Information Department (PID) addressing the seminar on behalf of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB), stated it a privilege to address the Maritime Community on the auspicious occasion of World Maritime Day. She highlighted “we come together under the theme, ‘Navigating the Future – Safety First,’ which emphasizes the importance of safety, sustainability, and innovation in our maritime operations.” She spoke on how the theme emphasised the need to enhance and focus on maritime safety. “Climate change is a global challenge, with profound implications for our coasts, oceans and seas.”

It was further noted that Pakistan’s unique geographic position— with warm, deep-water ports expanding over a 1,000 km-long coastline—placed it at the center of global maritime affairs, which has a direct impact and poses challenges for Pakistan in today’s
rapidly changing climate.

Climate change is a global challenge with profound implications for our oceans, coastlines, and communities. As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan has introduced several national policies like Blue economy initiatives-including sustainable fisheries, marine renewable energy and marine bio-diversity conservation to safeguard our environment and promote sustainable development.

“National forest policy 2015, aims to increase the forest power and to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change.”

Madam Irum highlighted the role played by PID and DEMP, as representatives of MOIB disseminating vital information, providing extensive coverage helping to highlight Pakistan’s safety on the Maritime Stage. Further paying gratitude to MOIB for playing a pivotal role in supporting these national efforts by fostering an informed society and advancing media development. DG PR, Irum Tanveer inaugurated a documentary presented by DEMP, on the critical role played my Mangroves for Pakistan, its economy, social cohesion and overall safety, called “Guardians of our coastline,” an insight on Mangroves that act as a natural safeguard for climate disintegration.”

Madam Irum Tanveer then extended her deepest gratitude to the Pakistan Branch of The Nautical Institute, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers’ Association for their efforts in organizing this important event

Concluding the seminar, Syed Ahmad Mahmoodi CEO “M” International Group, paid homage to the significance of safety for the maritime community. He stated how Pakistan’s maritime history is longstanding and now as they step into the new era, it is crucial to uphold the notion of safety. He mentioned how the seminar was a testament to the work being put by all stakeholders of the Maritime Community towards a brighter, safer and sustainable future for Pakistan and the world, and to ensure the global Maritime legacy and its thrives and flourishes.

In attendance were Madam Irum Tanveer Odho, DG (PR) PID, Her Excellency Sarah Mooney, Deputy High Commissioner- British High Commission, Captain Ali Asghar Khan, Vice Chairman Nautical Institute, Syed Adnan A. Mahmoodi CEO “M” International Group. Stakeholders from The Nautical Institute, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers’ Association.