Addressing a large gathering at PAF Convention Centre on Thursday evening, the chief guest and Chief of Naval Staff being Chief Patron MMSP played host at (MMSP) Master Mariners Society of Pakistan’s annual dinner 2014, at PAF Museum Convention Centre.
Capt Haleem Siddiqui while welcoming the chief guest, valued invitees and honourable members of the society, deliberated the role of eminent mariners prior inception and thereafter 1947 to-date.
He lauded the role of master mariners, who not only contributed in the establishment of Merchant Marine in the newly conceived State of Pakistan, but were called upon by emerging countries viz Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka to build their fleet and Ports.
This honour was bestowed and today the largest Shipping Line NOL was established by a Pakistani master mariner. The president touched in detail, independently the services rendered by the master mariners from 1947 to date highlighting all.
He made it abundantly clear that merit was the only choice in those days, so professionals of repute earned reorganization locally and abroad both. The president requested the minister to induct Merchant Mariners on merits in the organization under his control, so that master mariners may be able to give their professional acumen as a value added product in the growth. The president also appreciated the services of Capt. Anwar Shah Ex-DG. Ports and Shipping / Chairman Gwader Port and lauded that he is the first Pakistani to become the governor of World Maritime University Sweden, a singular achievement. Capt. Shahs role as shareholder director of PNSC was also dilated upon.
The president raised the burning issue of maritime administration, which has become dysfunctional due to non presence of technical staff and not complying to IMO requirement, being a serious default , thus urged the minister to ensure filling slots in maritime administration, port state control and restore examination of deck officers and engineers. The plight of PMA Cadets was also highlighted and impressed upon Government to take corrective measures.
The president emphasized the need of appointing maritime professionals on top sots of KPT, PQA, GPA and PNSC.
The minister responding, the address of president in totality agreed the role played by master mariners in past and present both and welcomed the young generation to join, KPT, Port Qasim, PNSC etc. The audience applauded the extempore speech and welcomed his frank address.
Thereafter vote of thanks was made by Capt Nusrat, General Secretary, subsequently requesting guests to proceed for sumptuous dinner.
The event was not only attended by members and spouse based at Pakistan, but master mariners serving at Singapore, Gulf, Malaysia also joined the fraternity as token of support.
This event will go in the annals of Pakistan maritime history, whilst MMSP may launch a project of writing history of Pakistan Merchant Marine since inception, so that our posterity is taught the values and achievements of Merchant Mariners as a part of their syllabus. MMSPs role and recognition was visible due to house full participants, members and invitees from all shades of life.