Chairman, Karachi Port Trust, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd), delivered a compelling keynote at the International Maritime Symposium 2026, underscoring Karachi Port’s rising global stature and Pakistan’s strategic opportunity in a rapidly changing maritime landscape.

Organised by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) at Bahria University, Islamabad, the symposium was themed “Eroding Rules-Based International Order at Sea and Maritime Security Paradigm 2.0.” It convened senior maritime leaders, policymakers and experts to confront emerging threats to maritime security and the future of global ocean governance.

Session I was headlined by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI NI(M) T.Bt, who served as Chief Guest. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry addressed Session II, “Pakistan’s Maritime Future: Maritime Security, Ocean Governance and Blue Economy,” as Chief Guest. The Minister applauded the growing strength of Pakistan’s ports, recognising their expanding role in driving national trade and maritime growth.

In his keynote, the Chairman highlighted Karachi Port’s improved international rankings and its record Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI), clear evidence of the port’s growing connectivity with the world’s major shipping networks. He stressed that, as maritime routes shift and geopolitical developments unfold around the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to emerge as a major regional transit and trade hub.

Karachi Port Trust remains firmly committed to modernising port infrastructure, deepening global connectivity and strengthening Pakistan’s position in international maritime trade.