Pakistan has reviewed its regulatory framework for ship recycling and is preparing to overhaul industry practices to align with international standards.
The reforms follow the country’s recent ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which entered into force in June 2025.
A workshop led by IMO’s SENSREC Programme in Karachi (26-27 August) underscored the collaborative effort between federal and provincial bodies to meet HKC requirements. Representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development took part, among others.
Participants were updated on the Government of Pakistan’s initiative to back its ship recycling industry in Gadani with modern supporting infrastructure. Worth Rs12 billion ($42 million) and managed by the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA), this federal project includes the establishment of a hazardous waste treatment plant and a hospital, among other projects.
Participants also discussed approaches for improving occupational health and safety standards, providing proper training, and ensuring workforce access to social protection schemes.
In terms of industry progress, the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association (PSBA) announced that approximately nine ship recycling facilities are expected to achieve compliance with the HKC within the next months.
During the same week in Karachi, a multistakeholder Steering Committee was established to guide and advise the SENSREC project - an IMO initiative to support Member States in implementing the Hong Kong Convention.
The Steering Committee approved a first workplan to collect all information related to initiatives in Pakistan that aim at modernizing the ship recycling industry.
In the coming months, a training needs assessment report, guiding the planning and deployment of a skills upgrade program for the workforce in ship recycling yards, will be finalized.
SENSREC in Pakistan
Since 2023, IMO-ILO's SENSREC-DW (SENSREC-Decent Work) has enhanced Pakistan’s capacity to drive a just transition in its ship recycling industry. By supporting the implementation of robust, HKC-compliant measures, the project aims to elevate health, occupational safety, and environmental standards at recycling yards. The project promotes decent working conditions, including labour and social protection.