ISLAMABAD, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the country's commitment to strengthening maritime safety and security while promoting safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime transportation.
In a message on World Maritime Day, Sharif said the maritime sector is a vital pillar of Pakistan's trade and commercial connectivity, regional and global defense linkages, and economic activities associated with the blue economy.
This year's World Maritime Day is being observed under the theme "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence."
Sharif said Pakistan is working to align its maritime industry with international standards and implement relevant conventions of the International Maritime Organization. He added that strengthening maritime capabilities is essential to realizing the objectives of Pakistan Vision 2047.
Pakistan is committed to enhancing the professional competence of personnel engaged in maritime safety, security and related services, while promoting quality maritime education and training and internationally recognized certification, he said.
The prime minister also highlighted efforts to promote environmentally sustainable maritime transportation, reduce carbon emissions and protect the marine environment, calling for greater international focus on alternative maritime fuels, advanced technologies and prevention of marine pollution.
At the national level, Pakistan is accelerating digital transformation in the maritime sector through smart shipping, integrated port systems, artificial intelligence and predictive technologies, while strengthening cybersecurity, he said.
Sharif said the government remains committed to harnessing Pakistan's maritime potential as a catalyst for sustainable economic and national development. ■