Latest news with #PakistanInternationalMaritimeExpoandConference
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM says blue economy is Pakistan's next frontier
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for a unified national effort and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to transform the maritime sector into a catalyst for inclusive growth and unlock its vast potential. Addressing the soft launch ceremony of the second Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC)-2025, the prime minister laid out the vision for transforming Pakistan into a regional maritime powerhouse, declaring the "blue economy" as Pakistan's "new economic frontier". With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and a position at the crossroads of vital sea lanes, the prime minister said, Pakistan was uniquely positioned to harness the trillion-dollar blue economy globally. "Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer," he said. "Our coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year and just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector," he said. He lauded the Pakistan Navy and the Maritime Affairs Ministry for their strategic foresight and dedication in steering this important initiative. On the occasion, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry outlined the government's strategic roadmap for the maritime sector. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to building a vibrant blue economy and introduced the "Maritime at 100" Vision. He explained that the "Maritime at 100" was a long-term plan to grow this sector into a $100 billion economic force by 2047. "The oceans are not just water bodies, they are economic lifelines. Pakistan must position itself as a regional maritime hub," he said. Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan emphasised the vast economic potential of oceans. He noted that oceans were increasingly being tapped for tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture, and extraction of valuable resources like hydrocarbons and minerals. Meanwhile, talking to Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam during the PIMEC-2025, the prime minister discussed the current regional situation, according to the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing a press release. Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's condemnation of the recent Israeli aggression against Iran and expressed the nation's sympathies with the brotherly neighbour over the martyrdom of its innocent civilians. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan's solidarity with Iran and its people during this time of heightened tension. He termed the Israeli attacks on Iran a complete violation of the UN Charter and the international laws. Referring to his recent telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the prime minister said that Pakistan supported Iran at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, the press release added. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM reaffirms support to Iran
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran amid its ongoing conflict with Israel, denouncing Israeli military actions and expressing condolences over civilian casualties. During a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, held on the sidelines of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC), PM Sharif said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the Iranian people during a time of heightened regional tensions. He referred to his recent phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, adding that Pakistan had supported Iran's position at a United Nations Security Council session. 'The Israeli attacks constitute a violation of the UN Charter and international law,' he said. Earlier, at the soft launch of PIMEC 2025, PM Sharif described the blue economy as Pakistan's new economic frontier and called for a national effort to unlock its potential. He outlined a vision to transform the country into a regional maritime hub, citing Pakistan's 1,000-kilometre coastline and strategic position along major global trade routes. 'Now is the time for Pakistan to lead,' he said, urging public-private collaboration to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. The prime minister commended the Pakistan Navy, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the event organisers for their efforts, and acknowledged the leadership of Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Sharif highlighted the Navy's role in maintaining national security and regional stability, noting that multilateral initiatives such as the AMAN Exercise – which brings together more than 50 countries – reflect Pakistan's commitment to international maritime cooperation. He said Pakistan's coastal trade currently generates around $7 billion annually but has potential for much greater returns. Drawing inspiration from Japan's maritime success, he emphasised the need for strategic investment, open competition, and innovation. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry presented the government's long-term maritime development framework, the 'Maritime at 100' Vision, which aims to build a $100 billion industry by 2047 – Pakistan's centenary. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz meets Iranian Ambassador, reaffirms Pakistan's support amid Israeli aggression
PM Shehbaz interacts with Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan H.E. Reza Amiri Moghadam at Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference on June 16. Photo: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of recent Israeli aggression against Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and government amid heightened tensions in the region. The PM made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on the sidelines of the International Maritime Expo and Conference in Islamabad on Monday. 'The entire Pakistani nation's sympathies are with Iran over the martyrdom of innocent people,' he said. Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan H.E. Reza Amiri Moghadam at Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference on 16 June, 2025. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 16, 2025 He referred to his recent telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Iran at the United Nations Security Council. Sharif stressed that Israel's attacks on Iran are a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law. The premier further underscored that Pakistan would continue to stand by Iran in the face of Israeli aggression and maintain its commitment to supporting Iran's sovereignty on the global stage. Earlier, speaking at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), the PM outlined his vision for transforming Pakistan into a regional maritime powerhouse. "It is a great pleasure to see the Pakistan Navy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and in collaboration with key partners, organising the second edition of PIMEC," the PM said. Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launches new logo of Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 16, 2025 He praised the leadership of Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry for their strategic foresight and commitment in advancing the event. In his address, Sharif emphasised the pivotal role of the Pakistan Navy in national defence and regional security, noting, "The Pakistan Navy has been a formidable force through all conflicts and remains a strong pillar of our national security." The PM also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to international peace and maritime law, citing the AMAN Exercise, which involved over 50 countries, as a symbol of Pakistan's cooperative maritime posture. With more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline and strategic positioning along vital sea lanes, Sharif stated that Pakistan was uniquely positioned to tap into the trillion-dollar global blue economy. "Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer," he said, adding, "Our coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year, and just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector." The PM drew inspiration from global success stories, notably Japan, which, despite limited maritime resources, became a global leader in marine infrastructure and regional trade. "Let there be open competition," he said, stressing the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic investment. Sharif concluded by highlighting the need to transform Pakistan's maritime sector into a driver of inclusive, sustainable economic growth. He called for greater synergy between the public and private sectors, saying, "The time has come to take the lead."
