Pakistan Navy observes World Maritime Day 2020

Islamabad : Pakistan Navy observes World Maritime Day (WMD) 2020 in harmonization with International Maritime Organization (IMO). World Maritime Day is observed internationally during last week of September every year under the auspices of IMO. The theme adopted by IMO for this year’s World Maritime Day is ‘Sustainable Shipping for Sustainable Planet’, says a press release.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his message on World Maritime Day said that Pakistan Navy pledges full support towards development of maritime sector and reaffirms its resolve for eradication of marine pollution for clean and green environment. He said that shipping provides dependable connectivity and most economical means of transporting goods as International economies are overwhelmingly dependent on shipping activity which carries nearly 90% of global trade. The Naval Chief also emphasized that sea trade is the backbone of our economy as CPEC and Gwadar Port are set in motion, maritime activities in Pakistan are bound to increase manifold and there is a growing realization to capitalise on the associated economic opportunities. The Naval Chief also valued that declaration of 2020 as ‘The Year of Blue Economy’ by the GoP is a step in the right direction.

The Admiral also reiterated that Pakistan Navy is fulfilling its core responsibility of seaward defence of the country and enhancing regional maritime security through continuous constructive engagements with international partners and by undertaking Regional Maritime Security Patrols. Coastal Security & Harbour Defence Force comprising a network of coastal security stations and a state of the art Joint Maritime Information & Coordination Centre are working round the clock to ensure maritime security, maritime vigilance to respond any emerging situation all along our coast.

Being a major stakeholder in maritime domain, Pakistan Navy is leading the way to create maritime awareness in the country and promote Blue Economy. Pakistan Navy is laying special focus on reducing maritime pollution and promoting safe and sustainable use of sea resources. Pakistan Navy has also planted over 5 million mangrove saplings during the last three years along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan to help protect maritime ecosystems.

Events like World Maritime Day play an important role in enhancing maritime awareness in the country. On the occasion of World Maritime Day 2020, Pakistan Navy undertook a range of activities to underscore the importance of maritime sector. These included conduct of a webinar by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) highlighting objective of IMO and importance of shipping being the backbone of the maritime industry, its impact on economy and global environment and its prospects for Pakistan. Pakistan Navy Field Commands conducted various events at school/ colleges and at unit level to create awareness about importance of maritime sector.