Navigating the IMO Regulations

Maritime shipping carries about 80-90 percent of world trade by volume, and Pakistan’s 1001 km coastline and 240,000 sq km exclusive economic zone (EEZ) position it for a significant blue economy. This paper examines Pakistan ’ s status under key International Monetary Fund (IMO) conventions, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention (HKC), and the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC). It also explores the institutional, legal, and infrastructure barriers that hinder full implementation. It benchmarks Pakistan against regional peers, namely Bangladesh, India, T ü rkiye, and Vietnam with similar shipbreaking industries and strategic ports. It covers Pakistan’s maritime landscape, regulatory framework, and strategic initiatives highlighting strengths and gaps. The paper concludes that fragmented governance especially after the 18th Amendment and outdated laws limit enforcement. Finally, the paper recommends harmonizing laws, upgrading ports and shipyards, strengthening institutions, and unifying blue economy policies – to close regulatory gaps and leverage Pakistan’s maritime potential.