Karachi, 1 October 2026: BlueNet+ organized a seminar on World Maritime Day 2026 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” in collaboration with Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) at KPT Staff College, Lalazar, Karachi.
The event brought together 13 distinguished speakers and representatives from 57 organizations, including government institutions, maritime organizations, academia, research bodies, environmental agencies, the business community, media, tourism, fisheries, civil society, professionals, youth and students.
Dr. Nuzhat Khan, Founder & CEO, BlueNet+, emphasized that Pakistan does not simply need more policies; it needs stronger integration and implementation of existing policies, with the Blue Economy becoming an integral part of national economic development.
“Maritime and Blue Economy considerations must run through our economic, trade, investment, climate, tourism, fisheries, environmental, science and technology policies. The missing link is integration, from policy to investment, implementation and measurable impact.”
She highlighted three interconnected pillars of a sustainable Blue Economy: economic prosperity, ecosystem health and human well-being, supported by science, policy, governance, finance and technology.
Representing the business community, emphasized stronger linkages between policy, business, investment, trade and entrepreneurship to unlock private-sector opportunities in Pakistan’s maritime economy.
Mr. Shabbir Hassan Mansha, Chairman PALIMA/Mansha Group and former Vice President FPCCI, highlighted the importance of maritime trade, investment and stronger private-sector participation in transforming Pakistan’s maritime potential into economic value. He emphasized the need for an enabling business environment, efficient ports and logistics, investment-friendly policies and stronger public-private collaboration to expand trade and create new Blue Economy opportunities.
Engr. Naimatullah Sohoo, Director General, NIO, highlighted the importance of research, ocean data and stronger science–policy linkages, stressing that scientific knowledge must support practical decisions, investment and sustainable maritime development.
Ms. Iram Tanveer, Director General, PID Karachi, emphasized the role of media and strategic communication in bringing the Blue Economy into national discourse, creating public awareness and connecting maritime policies and opportunities with people.
Discussions covered maritime trade and investment, marine science, fisheries, coastal tourism, climate resilience, biodiversity, pollution and waste management, digitalization, entrepreneurship, women and youth participation, and responsible ocean governance.
The seminar emphasized a common pathway:
RESEARCH & DATA → EVIDENCE → INTEGRATED POLICY → INVESTMENT → IMPLEMENTATION → IMPACT
Concluding the seminar, Dr. Nuzhat Khan stated:
“From policy to practice must become our collective pathway. Pakistan’s Blue Economy should connect economic prosperity, a healthy ocean and human well-being—creating opportunities today while protecting our maritime resources for future generations.”
The seminar reaffirmed the need for government, science, business, academia, media and communities to work together to build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable maritime future for Pakistan.