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Admiral Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff has disclosed that the length of Pakistan’s coastal line was remeasured at 1003 km in collaboration with SUPARCO.
Chief of Naval Staff being Chief Patron MMSP, was speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of Master Mariners Society of Pakistan (MMSP) Annual Dinner 2016 and Lifetime Achievement Award to Veteran Mariners at Maritime Museum Convention Hall, Karachi.
He said that in order to protect marine life and marine echology, Pakistan Navy is carrying out a mangrove plantation program under which over 1 million mangrove would be planted alongside the coastal line.
President Master Mariners Society of Pakistan, Captain Haleem Siddiqui in his inaugural address deliberated the role of eminent mariners prior inception and thereafter 1947 to-date. He lauded the role of Master Mariners, who not only contributed in the establishment of Merchant Marine in the newly-conceived state of Pakistan, but were called upon by emerging countries viz Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka to build their fleet and ports. This honor was bestowed and today the largest Shipping Line NOL was established by a Pakistani Master Mariner. Capt. Haleem Siddiqui touched in detail, independently the services rendered by the Master Mariners from 1947 to-date highlighting all. He made it abundantly clear that merit was the only choice in those days, so professionals of repute earned recognition locally and abroad both.
He requested the chief guest to facilitate recognition of Merchant Mariners on merits, so that Master Mariners may be able to give their professional acumen as a value added product in the growth. The President MMSP also appreciated the services of Capt. Anwar Shah Ex-DG. Ports & Shipping/Chairman Gwadar Port and lauded that he is the first Pakistani to become the governor of World Maritime University Sweden, a singular achievement. Capt. Shah’s role as share holder director of PNSC was also dilated upon.
The President MMSP raised the burning issue of Maritime administration, which has become dysfunctional due to non presence of technical staff and not complying to IMO requirement, being a serious default, thus urged the authorities to ensure filling slots in Maritime administration, port state control expeditiously.
Capt. Haleem Siddiqui also invited the attention of the chief guest towards crowded commercial activity at Port Qasim such as development LNG Terminal, which may prove a hazard in port activity. There is a need to develop a separate port for developing terminals like LNG and leave Port Qasim for shipping purposes only.
Chief of Naval Staff conferred Lifetime Achievement Award to Capt. Anwar Shah for his meritorious services to Maritime fraternity.
It was an honor that Capt. Haleem A. Siddiqui was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award of Lloyd’s List, a singular achievement in recognition and appreciation for his continued services to the Maritime fraternity and to the mission of MMSP.
The plight of PMA Cadets was also highlighted and impressed upon government to take corrective measures.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) responded to the call of President MMSP to work together for betterment of Maritime Industry and Fraternity. CNS was also pleased to see harmony amongst Mariners.