Bahria University holds international workshop on maritime education, research

ISLAMABAD: Bahria University hosted a 2-day International Workshop on the topic “Maritime Education and Research” on July 18 and 19 at its Karachi Campus. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to lay emphasis on the educational and skill needs for employment in fields related to maritime. The conference attracted a wide range of audience from the national and international community, including naval officers, academics, government representatives, and the business community.

Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral (r) Muhammad Shafiq, while opening the ceremony, highlighted the increasing importance of the maritime sector in the wake of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).  He emphasised the need for maritime education to benefit from this development, making people competent to fill the job requirements in emerging maritime domains. HEC Consultant CPEC Lt General (r) Muhammad Asghar, who was the chief guest at the opening ceremony, stressed the need of correctly visualising the future trends and adapting timely changes in education and skills to stay abreast and remain relevant. He reflected on the laggard approach of academia towards maritime education and therefore assured Bahria University of HEC’s full support towards endeavors of enhancing maritime education in Pakistan.

The workshop continued for two days with the blend of speaker sessions and group discussions, drawing recommendations in areas relevant to maritime education, including potential job market, curriculum design, faculty development and requirements of labs and academic aids. Scholars from China, Hong Kong and Turkey also expressed their views and shared their international experiences in maritime education and research. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, present at the closing ceremony as the chief guest, also highlighted the significance of maritime sector and importance of CPEC as a game changer. He stressed the need to prepare for emerging job markets in the maritime sector, while Pakistan turns into a maritime hub. Bahria University Karachi Campus Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr Bashir Ahmad shared the proceedings and recommendations of the workshop. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Bahria University Karachi Director General Vice Admiral (r) Khawaja Ghazanfar Hussain, acknowledging the support from HEC and thanking all national and international participants for their valuable input.