Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, launched the pilot project of Bahria University, namely Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP), at Bahria University Karachi Campus. PMSTP is aimed at contributing to the growth of maritime sectors, particularly coastal tourism, aquaculture, seafood processing, shipbuilding, shipping, renewable ocean energy, including indigenous production of magnesium chloride-based solar cells and seawater desalination. These efforts will help add tens of billions of dollars to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and improve the living standards of coastal communities.

Speaking on the occasion, CNS expressed his satisfaction with Bahria University's efforts toward the promotion of maritime education, applied maritime research, innovation, and commercialization. He enumerated the untapped resources offered by our seas and underscored the importance of promoting maritime sciences, technologies, and industries, which have the potential to make a significant contribution to Pakistan's national GDP growth. CNS stressed the need for greater collaboration among all stakeholders in the maritime sector to benefit from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and realize the potential of the Blue Economy. He also commended the efforts of the Rector and the management of Bahria University for the launch of the project.
Earlier in his welcome address, Rector Bahria University, Vice Admiral (Retired) Asif Khaliq, provided an overview of the PMSTP project and referred to it as a solution to Pakistan's current economic challenges. He mentioned that the university plans to construct enabling infrastructure spanning over 350,000 square feet to house PMSTP's research and development (R&D) facilities, which include over 15 Centers of Excellence and R&D centers. He also emphasized that our maritime industries have the potential to contribute up to one-third of the national GDP annually and facilitate job creation.
Earlier, Director of Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park, Commodore (Retired) Arshad M. Khan, provided a briefing on the significance of the project. He highlighted the potential of the maritime industries and outlined PMSTP's role in gradually optimizing various sectors within Pakistan's maritime industry.
The ceremony was attended by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Maritime Affairs, Vice Admiral (Retired) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao, former CNS Admiral (Retired) Shahid Karimullah, ambassadors, diplomats from various countries, university rectors, high-ranking serving and retired civil and military officers, and leading industry representatives.