Pakistan proposes GCC, Central Asia, Africa maritime cooperation

November 26, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has put forward a proposal to establish a “Regional Maritime Dialogue” bringing together countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Central Asia, and Africa to address shared maritime challenges, improve cooperation, and influence global maritime policy.

The proposal was presented by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a high-level breakfast reception hosted by Pakistan at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London today, according to the press release.

The event drew delegations from more than 173 countries, including over 100 maritime ministers, making it one of the largest gatherings during IMO Assembly week.

During the reception, Chaudhry and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez inaugurated a model of the PNSC Ship KARACHI, one of three new vessels Pakistan plans to acquire under the names KARACHI, LAHORE, and QUETTA.

Chaudhry highlighted that the fast-evolving maritime landscape requires regional mechanisms to collectively respond to operational, environmental, regulatory, and technological challenges.

The proposed dialogue would focus on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety of life at sea, coordinating search and rescue operations, and strengthening navigational safety.

Pakistan currently coordinates NAVAREA IX, covering the Arabian Sea, Gulf waters, and parts of the Indian Ocean, ensuring ships receive timely navigational warnings under the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) of the IMO and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

The minister also proposed establishing a Regional Maritime University and a Regional Maritime Training Institute to support training aligned with emerging IMO regulations, autonomous shipping, digitization, and artificial intelligence.

These institutions would focus on AI-enabled Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) compliance to prepare seafarers from Pakistan and the region for technology-driven maritime operations.

In addition, Pakistan plans to establish a domestic terminal as part of a broader maritime modernization drive, while ongoing projects such as the revival of the Gadani shipyard near Gwadar are being carried out in compliance with IMO regulations, ensuring safety and sustainability.

Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s goal to deepen maritime cooperation with partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, other GCC states, Central Asia, and Africa, to develop a structured, durable platform for dialogue.

He highlighted the need for stronger representation of developing and climate-vulnerable nations in global decision-making, citing recent climate-induced floods in Pakistan that caused significant human and financial losses.

Drawing a parallel with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which have successfully formed a coalition within the IMO, Chaudhry said Pakistan aims for regional consensus to create a unified voice on key maritime issues.

He also noted the country’s increasing focus on marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, environmental safeguards, and emerging technologies in maritime operations.

The initiative positions Pakistan as a proactive player in shaping global maritime regulations while promoting sustainable development and regional maritime governance across three continents.

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