Karachi: BlueNet+ on Thursday called for stronger integration and implementation of existing policies to unlock Pakistan’s maritime potential and make the Blue Economy an integral part of national economic development.
The call was made at a seminar organised by BlueNet+ in collaboration with Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) at KPT Staff College, Lalazar, to mark World Maritime Day 2026 under the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’.
The event brought together 13 speakers and representatives from 57 organisations, including government institutions, maritime organisations, academia, research bodies, environmental agencies, businesses, media, tourism, fisheries, civil society, professionals, youth and students.
Dr Nuzhat Khan, Founder and CEO of BlueNet+, said Pakistan did not simply need more policies but stronger integration and implementation of existing ones.
She said maritime and Blue Economy considerations should be incorporated into economic, trade, investment, climate, tourism, fisheries, environmental, science and technology policies, stressing the need to link policy with investment, implementation and measurable outcomes.
She identified economic prosperity, ecosystem health and human well-being as three interconnected pillars of a sustainable Blue Economy, supported by science, policy, governance, finance and technology.
Representing the business community, Chairman PALIMA/Mansha Group and former Vice President FPCCI Shabbir Hassan Mansha highlighted the importance of stronger linkages between policy, business, investment, trade and entrepreneurship.
He called for an enabling business environment, efficient ports and logistics, investment-friendly policies and stronger public-private collaboration to expand maritime trade and create new Blue Economy opportunities.
Director General NIO Engr Naimatullah Sohoo stressed the importance of research, ocean data and stronger science-policy linkages, saying scientific knowledge should support practical decision-making, investment and sustainable maritime development.
Director General PID Karachi Iram Tanveer highlighted the role of media and strategic communication in bringing the Blue Economy into the national discourse, raising public awareness and connecting maritime policies and opportunities with the public.
The discussions covered maritime trade and investment, marine science, fisheries, coastal tourism, climate resilience, biodiversity, pollution and waste management, digitalisation, entrepreneurship, women and youth participation and responsible ocean governance.
The seminar emphasised a pathway linking research and data with evidence, integrated policy, investment, implementation and measurable impact.
In her concluding remarks, Dr Nuzhat Khan said Pakistan’s Blue Economy should connect economic prosperity, a healthy ocean and human well-being while creating opportunities for the present and protecting maritime resources for future generations.
The seminar reaffirmed the need for government, scientific institutions, businesses, academia, media and communities to work together for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable maritime future for Pakistan.