ISLAMABAD: World Maritime Day 2021 was observed on Thursday with the theme ‘Seafarers at the core of Shipping’s Future’.

In his message, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi said that Pakistan is blessed with over 1,000 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone.

He held Maritime Sector is the bedrock of Pakistan’s economy as 95 percent of our trade is seaborne. Pakistan Navy, being a stakeholder in shaping the maritime thought in the country, is playing its due role in creating the desired maritime awareness and to stimulate exploitations of our immense, though untapped Blue Economy, he added. .

He remarked With CPEC already in motion, maritime activities in Pakistan are increasing manifold.

The Naval Chief suggested that seafarers may be designated as ‘key workers’ so as to ensure their travel to and from ships without delays. He said Pakistan Navy, apart from its core tasks, is fully cognizant to the importance of national human resources driving the merchant fleet around global maritime highways.