KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has termed the upcoming Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) 2025 as a transformative step in realising the country’s long-term maritime ambitions, calling it more than just an exhibition—a strategic platform to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s Blue Economy.

Presiding over the second Steering Committee meeting at CM House Karachi, Shah stressed that PIMEC 2025 would serve as a national showcase for Pakistan’s maritime and defence capabilities while promoting innovation, investment, and international cooperation.

The meeting reviewed ongoing preparations for the four-day event, which will be held from November 3 to 6 at the Karachi Expo Centre. The meeting was attended by key provincial ministers, including Sharjeel Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Saeed Ghani, Zulfikar Shah, and Jam Ikram Dharejo, as well as Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, and representatives from the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies. Event co-organisers Badar Expo Solutions also participated to present progress on exhibition planning, logistics, and coordination.

CM Shah praised the Pakistan Navy’s leadership in driving the initiative alongside the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and reiterated the Sindh government’s full support for delivering an event that meets international standards.

He highlighted that PIMEC 2025 has the potential to position Karachi as a regional maritime hub and boost Pakistan’s global maritime profile. Emphasising Sindh’s commitment to maritime development, Shah announced the Shahrah-e-Bhutto Extension project—an important new road connecting the Karachi Port Trust terminal to Jam Sadiq Bridge.

He said this project is aimed at improving port access and cargo movement, which will significantly enhance trade efficiency and logistics in the city and beyond. Pakistan’s maritime geography offers immense opportunities, Shah said, pointing to a 1,000-kilometre-long coastline and nearly 290,000 square kilometres of maritime jurisdiction.

He noted the untapped potential in fisheries, marine transport, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, and energy exploration, calling the Blue Economy not just an economic strategy, but a national imperative.

“PIMEC 2025 is an opportunity to harness this maritime potential through innovation, policy alignment, and international collaboration,” Shah stated, adding that the success of the inaugural PIMEC in 2023 had laid a strong foundation for an even more impactful edition in 2025.

The chief minister also instructed all provincial departments, including Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the Water Board, law enforcement agencies, and traffic police, to ensure infrastructure upgrades, public safety, and city beautification ahead of the event.

These efforts, he said, are essential not only to the success of the expo but also to presenting Karachi as a vibrant and modern city ready to lead Pakistan’s maritime journey. The committee discussed security protocols, coordination mechanisms, stakeholder outreach, and city preparations in detail.

Members unanimously pledged institutional support for the event, acknowledging its critical role in promoting Pakistan’s economic growth, technological self-reliance, and global image.

Concluding the meeting, CM Shah stressed that the success of PIMEC 2025 depends on collaborative efforts between the federal and provincial governments, the private sector, and the people of Karachi.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 07 2025

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