Pakistan Joint Branch revival gathers interest and awareness

The Pakistan Joint Branch (PJB), a joint IMarEST/RINA branch, is due to be revived while taking inspiration from the Aberdeen (Scotland) model. We explore how Syed Ahmed (CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST), together with Jo Lewis of IMarEST, is supporting the revival based on its unique challenges

Academic beginnings

The early version of the Pakistan branch began in 1959 to support Pakistan Navy mariners. Syed Ahmed met its founding members, Mr Hussain, Mr Rana Iqbal and Mr Ghazanfar Habib, while immersed in academia and research in Pakistan.

“I basically got very much involved in academia, so I just started attending various universities, and I used to give a lot of lectures in project management and engineering management,” explains Syed Ahmed, who gave lectures to, among others, Naval Architecture students at the Naval Engineering College in Karachi.

“I met Mr. Iqbal, Mr. Ghazanfar and Mr. Arif. And basically, they took me on as an executive member of the Pakistan branch.”

Under their guidance, Syed Ahmed maintained engagements for the PJB, through technical lectures with groups like shipyards and naval colleges. The branch was always a collaborative, voluntary initiative led by the group, but it was eventually paused for a number of years, until recently, thanks to a planned revival, where learnings from the Aberdeen branch model and a nuanced approach will be taken to overcome challenges like geopolitical tensions.

Aberdeen and Pakistan links

There’s a natural synergy - both Aberdeen and Pakistan share a diversity of skilled workforces. “I would say all over the UK, we have the best technical and offshore oil and gas marine experts,” explains Syed Ahmed. “But in Aberdeen and Pakistan in particular, there are a lot of marine engineers, masters and marine professionals overall.”

He brings a multi-national perspective to the branch, having lived and worked in both Pakistan and Aberdeen. He thus understands the realities of offshore work and downturns in the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen, as well as the unpredictable nature of seafaring work in Pakistan, where mariners can go months without awareness of their next contract.

Membership advantages

While the PJB model takes some inspiration from the Aberdeen branch, there will be specific considerations for seafarers in Pakistan, particularly younger generations. This may be through additional forms of support and incentives to encourage membership applications, raising awareness of the benefits.

“One of the advantages of being a member is being shortlisted for job opportunities,” says Syed Ahmed, as there are sometimes job descriptions stating IMarEST membership as a requirement.

He also speaks to the value of mentorship, both as a mentor and mentee, having been mentored himself by Sol Judah, who was previously the chairman of the Scottish branch.

As a consultant with multiple commitments, Syed Ahmed still dedicates time to support students in Pakistan and build their engagement with the IMarEST. He is exploring incentives and additional forms of support, like funding or student membership options, and even the test case for a benevolent fund.

The value of mentorship

Keeping connected, Syed Ahmed has set up WhatsApp groups for giving guidance, such as for mentees, and also for Pakistan professionals interested in the IMarEST joint branch.

“We've got a WhatsApp group set up already for the PJB, and we are trying to basically provide all the guidance and mentoring for the interested candidates.”

Ammar Rauf has been a mentee of Syed Ahmed who recently supported the successful professional development initiative held at Lloyd’s Register Aberdeen on 2nd & 3rd July.

Interest in restarting the joint branch

Organisations and members in Pakistan and also the UK have shown interest in the branch’s revival. Syed Ahmed has given lectures to many interested groups, from the NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi to the London-based Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation.

“It is encouraging that the present PJB members, together with the support and guidance of HQ IMarEST, are now taking positive steps to reactivate the local branch,” says the Honorary Treasurer of the PJB, Mr Ghazanfar Habib. “This initiative presents an excellent opportunity to rebuild membership, strengthen professional engagement, organise technical and networking events, and enhance the branch’s contribution and funding absent the preceding several years for the local maritime community.”

Following a recent meeting between Mr Ghanzanfar Habib, Mr Iqbal Rana, Syed Ahmed and Jo Lewis, engagement director at IMarEST, the IMarEST is delighted to support the planned revival of the joint branch in Pakistan.

To get involved, please contact: [email protected]

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Image: Syed Ahmed presenting at IMarEST awareness session