Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to global maritime governance and announced its candidacy for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category C, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global shipping sector.
Addressing the opening session of the IMO Assembly in London, United Kingdom, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday emphasized Pakistan’s strategic importance, noting that its coastline of over 1,000 kilometres lies along some of the world’s most critical sea lanes connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean region.
“Over the past year, Pakistan has implemented concrete initiatives in line with IMO conventions and global best practices, including port digitalization, maritime safety enhancement, green port development, and Artificial Intelligence-enabled Port Community Systems,” the minister said.
The IMO Assembly, is a United Nations agency with 193 member states, meets every two years where countries participate in its Council and Assembly to shape and influence global maritime policy.
Junaid Chaudhry outlined further developments, including the upgradation of the Pakistan Marine Academy, the establishment of Pakistan Maritime University, reforms in seafarer certification, and enhanced training standards aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. Additional measures include strengthening vessel traffic management systems, improving marine pollution response capacity, and expanding coastal monitoring in collaboration with national and international partners.
“Pakistan is advancing its Maritime Vision 2047 and 2147,” Minister Chaudhry said, assuring that all planning aligns with IMO standards and the organization’s global vision.
He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the IMO’s climate agenda, noting ongoing efforts in energy-efficient shipping, marine environmental protection, and green ship recycling, particularly at Gaddani, where compliance with Hong Kong Convention standards is being strengthened.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s Category C candidature reflects its intention to contribute constructively to the global maritime community, pledging to promote fair access for developing maritime nations, strengthen support for seafarers’ welfare and training, advocate for climate cooperation for coastal and vulnerable island states, and advance the IMO’s mission of safe, secure, and environmentally responsible shipping.
Category C seats in the IMO Council are elected by the Assembly and include 20 member states with special maritime interests or those who enhance regional balance. These members help guide the IMO's work and strategic direction, playing crucial roles in global maritime governance.
“History shows that real progress is made when nations choose to work together. Let this session be more than just another meeting. Let it become a turning point, a moment for cooperation, innovation, and bold action,” he concluded, affirming that Pakistan is ready to move forward toward a maritime future that is safer, greener, and more prosperous for all.
