A three-day workshop dedicated to enhancing hazardous waste management in Pakistan’s ship recycling sector was held in Karachi from 20 to 22 May, drawing over 100 participants from government agencies, academia, and the private sector. Organized under the joint International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) SENSREC project, the event focused on strengthening compliance with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), Basel Convention and ILO conventions and guidance for the environmentally sound management, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Ms. Alia Shahid, Director General Ports and Shipping, Mr. John Alonso, Programme Manager for SENSREC, and Mr. Asif Khan, Secretary General of the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association. Opening remarks emphasized the critical importance of aligning Pakistan’s ship recycling practices with international standards to protect both workers and the environment, and to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in a series of technical sessions and interactive discussions covering a wide range of topics, including the identification and handling of hazardous materials, best practices for waste treatment and disposal, and the regulatory frameworks set by the HKC, Basel, and ILO conventions. Experts highlighted the need for robust capacity building, effective social dialogue, and collaboration among stakeholders to address the complex challenges associated with hazardous waste in ship recycling.
A key feature of the workshop was its practical orientation. On the final day, attendees visited a ship recycling yard in Gadani, one of the world’s largest shipbreaking locations, to observe firsthand the procedures and challenges involved in hazardous waste management. The technical visit provided valuable insights into the real-world application of the workshop’s discussions, allowing participants to witness the challenges of implementing international best practices and to identify areas for further improvement.
Participants and organizers alike commended the workshop as a vital step towards modernizing Pakistan’s ship recycling sector and meeting upcoming global regulatory requirements. The event underscored the value of ongoing training, knowledge sharing, and multi-stakeholder cooperation in building a safer, more sustainable ship recycling industry for the future.