Pakistan Marine Academy Set for Degree-Awarding Status as Government Advances Maritime Education Reform
Pakistan has moved a step closer to transforming the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) into a degree-awarding institution, a development that could significantly strengthen the country’s maritime education system, support the blue economy, and prepare a globally competitive maritime workforce.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Wednesday that the government has submitted a summary to the Prime Minister seeking in-principle approval for the proposed upgrade of the academy.
According to the minister, consultations with all relevant stakeholders have already been completed, while the required procedural formalities have also been fulfilled. Once the Prime Minister grants in-principle approval, the proposal will be forwarded to the Ministry of Law for legal vetting before being presented to the Federal Cabinet for final approval.
The proposed elevation of Pakistan Marine Academy forms part of the government’s wider strategy to modernize Pakistan’s maritime sector and align maritime education with internationally recognized academic and professional standards.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also revealed that discussions are currently underway with leading international maritime institutions to introduce dual degree programmes. The initiative is intended to provide Pakistani cadets with internationally recognized academic qualifications while strengthening global academic collaboration.
“The initiative aims to enhance academic standards, strengthen international collaboration, equip cadets with globally recognized qualifications, and improve career opportunities in the maritime sector,” the minister said.
He emphasized that granting degree-awarding status to the academy would substantially improve the quality of maritime education, strengthen professional and academic training, and produce highly qualified seafarers and maritime professionals capable of meeting the evolving demands of both Pakistan’s maritime industry and the global shipping sector.
The minister added that the reform would create greater educational and career opportunities for Pakistani students while supporting the country’s long-term Blue Economy strategy by developing a skilled workforce for the shipping, ports, logistics, and maritime transport industries.
Read: National Assembly to Review Bill Granting Degree Status to Pakistan Maritime Academy
Describing the proposal as a landmark reform, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the transformation would reinforce Pakistan’s maritime education framework, enhance human resource development, and help build a globally competitive maritime workforce capable of supporting sustainable growth across the country’s maritime economy.
