PMSA, KU to collaborate on policy research in maritime affairs

KARACHI, June 29, 2022 (Online): Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the University of Karachi (KU) have agreed to undertake integrated policy initiatives on various challenges along the 1046 km coastline of the Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

It was decided in a meeting of the DG PMSA, Rear Admiral Mirza Foad Amin Baig HI(M), and the Vice Chancellor University of Karachi, Prof Dr. Nasira Khatoon held on 29 June 22 at the office of the Vice Chancellor, a statement said.

The meeting further discussed collaborative efforts to identify and develop policy proposals and briefs for various stakeholders in maritime-related affairs.

It was decided that both the institutions would facilitate each other in research, focusing mainly on maritime law, maritime security, blue economy, social uplift of coastal communities, challenges to the national coastline and local communities, conservation, and protection of marine flora and fauna, oceanography and maritime tourism.

Emphasis was laid on initiating dialogues on diverse issues related to maritime affairs among scholars, experts, and policymakers with an aim to generate discussions on maritime awareness as well as socio-economic challenges faced by coastal communities for the benefit of policy circles and masses in general.

To achieve these objectives both parties would jointly organize trainings, workshops, seminars, and similar events on maritime issues for capacity building of the students and researchers. Admiral Mirza Foad Amin Baig HI(M) also offered internship opportunities for the students of KU at the PMSA.

Earlier the focal person of KU-PMSA, Ms. Samina Qureshi briefed the members about the aims and objectives of the MoU while Cdr M Faisal Sadiq COMOSRON23 from PMSA shared the progress already achieved since the MoU signing in April last year.

DG PMSA and VC UoK also exchanged souvenirs and organizational crests at the occasion. The PMSA delegation included Cdr Muhammad Farooq, Director of Training, and Lt Taimur, Deputy Director of Coordination.