The Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) in Karachi is set to become a full degree-awarding institute. The federal government will soon present a bill in the National Assembly to grant this important status to the academy.
This upgrade aims to modernize maritime education in Pakistan and produce highly skilled professionals for the shipping, port, and maritime industry. Currently, the academy offers diplomas and certificates. Once it becomes a degree-awarding institute, students will be able to earn proper bachelor’s degrees in maritime studies.
The government has also approved Rs 421 million for the first phase of development and upgradation of the academy. This funding will come through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from major maritime organizations and port authorities.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has directed the academy to increase admissions for students from Balochistan and other underdeveloped areas. It has also asked the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to help make maritime education more accessible and affordable for talented youth across Pakistan.
Officials believe this step will strengthen Pakistan’s maritime sector, create better job opportunities for young Pakistanis, and support the country’s growing blue economy. The upgrade is being welcomed as a major development for Pakistan’s maritime future.
