Never too late to give credit where it is due, even if the day was on 5 October 2021
Pakistan’s National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organised a webinar to honour seafarers, and raise awareness for their vital roles in sustaining world trade. The session included recommendations to improve the country’s maritime industry, plus extended benefits to crew along with their families.
Seafarers’ proven commitment
Maritime expert Captain Anwar Shah noted seafarers’ services and professionalism during the pandemic were beyond contractual obligations, which should be globally recognised. In his keynote speech, he objected to the country’s imposing tax on seafarers, urging both NIMA and the Director-General of Port & Shipping to look into it. Captain Shah concluded Pakistan needs to explore with preserve the nation’s image in mind.
Captain Jamil Akhtar emphasised on the urgency to recognise seafarers as key workers. He touched on extending more benefits to Pakistani seafarers and their families such as health insurance cards, pension, disability compensations, and housing schemes. Captain Syed Aziz ul Haque covered on the country’s requiring to add all types of vessels to its national fleet, promote and establish the maritime industry related businesses either independently or with foreign partners. He also advocated taking steps to uplift the maritime sector for sustainability.
Zahid Rehman, CEO from Bahria Classification Society, highlighted the importance of Pakistan having its own classification society. He said the Bahria Foundation developed the Bahria Classification Society to harness the benefits for Pakistan’s maritime interests and shipping safety. Syed Syedain Raza Zaidi, Director-General of Ports & Shipping, introduced on behalf of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs various steps the Pakistani government took to address the concerns, and issues of its seafarers.
Crewing Online News Team
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