The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, will visit Pakistan from 12-14 September 2024. This will be the first-ever visit to Pakistan by a Secretary General of the IMO. Secretary General Velasco will participate in the “International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition and Conference” and hold meetings with Pakistan’s leadership and senior government officials.
The Secretary General’s visit will allow Pakistan and IMO to exchange views on the maritime sector and the blue economy. As a founding member of IMO, Pakistan is deeply committed to IMO’s vision of safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. Pakistan has served for five terms on the IMO Council and has consistently contributed to upholding the IMO objectives
IMO and Pakistan
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948 with its headquarters in London, United Kingdom. It officially came into force in 1959. The IMO was created to regulate shipping and ensure safe, secure, and efficient maritime transport while protecting the marine environment from pollution caused by ships. Its main aim is to create a legal framework for the shipping industry, ensuring that international shipping remains safe and environmentally friendly.
The IMO’s primary functions include setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. It provides a forum for member states to cooperate on shipping regulations, which includes developing policies and standards to ensure sustainable maritime practices. Over the years, the IMO has introduced various conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, among others.
Pakistan’s Role and Contribution
As a responsible maritime state, Pakistan has been an active member of the IMO since 1958. Pakistan, with its strategic location along the Arabian Sea and as a major player in maritime trade, has consistently contributed to international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The country participates in the formulation of global maritime regulations and has ratified key IMO conventions.
Pakistan’s role in the IMO is highlighted through its significant contributions to global maritime peace and security. The country has a well-developed naval force and a substantial merchant fleet that ensures the security of its sea lanes and contributes to international efforts to combat piracy, smuggling, and other maritime threats. Moreover, Pakistan’s ports, including Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, are crucial to international shipping and trade, enhancing regional connectivity and promoting global economic growth.
Additionally, Pakistan plays an essential role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, a critical global trade route. The Pakistan Navy’s participation in multinational maritime security operations, such as Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) and Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), demonstrates the country’s commitment to global maritime security. These operations focus on combating terrorism, piracy, and illegal trafficking in the region.
Pakistan’s positive image as a mature and responsible nation is reflected in its efforts to uphold global maritime safety standards and contribute to international peace and security. The country understands its global responsibilities and continues to collaborate with the international community through platforms such as the IMO to promote the welfare of global maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s proactive participation in the IMO reflects its dedication to safeguarding international maritime interests. The nation’s strategic location, combined with its responsible maritime policies, underscores its importance as a key player in maintaining global peace and security while advancing the IMO’s goals.
Reference Link: https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/visit-of-the-secretary-general-of-the-international-maritime-organization-imo-to-pakistan
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