Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has laid out an ambitious vision for deeper maritime cooperation with Bangladesh, proposing a formal framework that could reshape regional trade routes and shipping partnerships.
Speaking during a meeting in London with Bangladesh’s Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain, Chaudhry proposed a partnership between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).
The plan outlines a wide-ranging partnership, covering joint container and bulk shipping operations, technical training programs, collaboration on maritime safety and seafarer development, reciprocal port calls, and closer diplomatic and technical coordination at senior levels.
During the discussion, the minister also requested Bangladesh’s backing for Pakistan in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C elections, emphasizing Islamabad’s readiness to reciprocate support.
“Pakistan will positively support Bangladesh’s request for support in the IMO Category C elections,” he affirmed, highlighting a commitment to strengthening collaboration across multilateral platforms.
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The Minister emphasized on the need for regular high-level technical and diplomatic engagement. He proposed strengthening ties through international institutions such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO), particularly on seafaring issues.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s offer to provide Karachi Port Trust (KPT) facilities for Bangladeshi cargo, highlighting KPT’s improved capacity and modernization.
The minister proposed establishing a Pakistan–Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue to ensure sustained collaboration on port development, shipping, the blue economy, and related sectors.
Both sides agreed to maintain momentum and explore concrete steps to implement the proposed initiatives.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
