‘Govt varsities’ collaboration to strengthen maritime education’

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing marine education and fostering a maritime-oriented mindset, particularly among coastal communities in Pakistan.

This was discussed during a meeting here with Vice Admiral (r) Asif Khaliq, Rector, Bahria University, who called on the Minister at his office. During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the vital role of Bahria University in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector through academic collaboration and technical support. He expressed his intent to benefit from the institution’s expertise in marine sciences and maritime education to build awareness and capacity at the grassroots level.

Our goal is to promote inclusive development by enabling access to quality education for youth from over 70 coastal and fishing communities, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, said the Minister. This is essential for cultivating a skilled maritime workforce that will serve as a foundation for Pakistan’s blue economy.

In line with this vision, the Minister announced the launch of Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF), a new initiative aimed at providing scholarships to deserving and talented students from coastal regions. The fund is designed to remove financial barriers and empower the next generation of maritime professionals.

He noted that the creation of the MEEF is based on recommendations by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs and reflects the government’s broader commitment to education-driven empowerment in marginalised coastal areas.

The Maritime Educational Endowment Fund underscores our dedication to sustainable human capital development, he stated. By investing in coastal youth today, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous maritime sector tomorrow.

The Minister hoped that this collaboration will create long-term educational and economic opportunities for coastal communities while bolstering Pakistan’s maritime future through innovation, inclusion, and education.