ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar has said the government is upgrading the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) to a degree-awarding institution by submitting a summary to the prime minister for in-principle approval.
In a statement here on Wednesday, he said consultations with all relevant stakeholders are already completed and the required procedural formalities fulfilled. He said that following the PM’s in-principle approval, the summary would be forwarded to the Ministry of Law for legal vetting before being placed before the federal cabinet for final approval. The proposed upgradation is part of the government’s broader agenda to modernise the maritime sector and bring maritime education in line with international standards. Discussions are underway with leading international maritime institutions to introduce dual degree programmes aimed at providing Pakistani cadets with globally-recognised academic qualifications.
The initiative aims to enhance academic standards, strengthen international collaboration, equip cadets with recognised qualifications and improve career opportunities in the maritime sector, he said, adding that granting degree-awarding status to the academy would significantly improve the quality of maritime education, strengthen academic and professional training and produce highly qualified seafarers and maritime professionals capable of meeting the evolving needs of the national and global maritime industry.
The minister said the initiative would expand educational and career opportunities for Pakistani students while supporting the country’s long-term blue economy objectives by developing a skilled workforce for the shipping, ports and logistics sectors. Describing the proposed transformation as a landmark reform, he said it would strengthen maritime education framework and help build a globally competitive maritime workforce. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in human resource development to ensure the sustainable growth of the country’s maritime sector.
