Minhaj University Lahore Hosts Fourth International Maritime Conference

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
The fourth International Maritime Conference (IMC’26) commenced at Minhaj University Lahore, organized by the Center for Research and Innovation in Maritime Affairs (CRIMA), bringing together scholars, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss sustainable maritime development and the Green and Blue Economy.
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sajid Mehmood Shahzad emphasized that water is the foundation of life and Pakistan’s future is closely tied to responsible water governance, maritime policy implementation, and sustainable development in ocean-based sectors. He highlighted CRIMA’s role in promoting research and innovation in the maritime domain.
The conference attracted participants from China, Sri Lanka, Iran, Austria, Turkey, and Africa. Keynote speakers included Vice Chancellor of the University of South Asia Mian Imran Masood, who underscored sustainable water management as critical to advancing Green and Blue Economy initiatives; and Vice Chancellor of Noor International University, Farooq Ahmad Bajwa, who highlighted the need for collaboration between government and private sectors for maritime development and water conservation.
Rear Admiral Naveed Ahmad Rizvi HI(M), former Commandant of Pakistan Navy War College, stressed the importance of enforcing international maritime laws and adopting modern pollution control measures to protect oceans.
The conference featured panel discussions, technical sessions, and research presentations covering multiple facets of maritime development. Distinguished participants included Dr. Ahmad Khawar Shahzad from the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, Prof. Dr. Aram Anjum (Kinnaird College for Women), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younas (University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences), Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Malik (Imperial College of Business Studies), and Prof. Dr. Nadeem Ahmad Bhatti (Leeds University Lahore).
The two-day conference concluded with Prof. Dr. Sajid Mehmood Shahzad presenting shields and souvenirs to guest speakers. The event drew a large audience of students, faculty members, and researchers, underscoring growing academic and policy interest in maritime research and sustainable Blue Economy initiatives in Pakistan.