The Signing Ceremony of the “Letter of Agreement on China-Pakistan Joint Cruises for Marine Environment and Ecosystem in Pakistan Coastal Area” was held in Hangzhou, China, on 12th December 2025.

The National Institute of Oceanography, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has initiated joint marine cruises with the Second Institute of Oceanography, under the Ministry of Natural Resources, for the collection of marine environmental and ecosystem data across all four seasons in Pakistan's coastal areas on the Naval Research Vessel PNS BEHR MASAH.

During the engagement, senior representatives of both institutions exchanged views on their respective mandates, ongoing research programs, and prospective areas of collaboration, including marine ecosystems, coastal dynamics, climate change, and the sustainable utilization of ocean resources.

As a key highlight of the event, a collaborative agreement was formally signed by the authorized representatives of NIO and SIO, signifying a shared commitment to scientific cooperation, data exchange, joint research initiatives, and capacity building.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional linkages through academic exchange and collaborative research, aimed at addressing regional and global marine challenges.

The ceremony concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and confidence that this partnership will further enhance scientific collaboration between Pakistan and China, contributing to sustainable ocean stewardship and the advancement of marine science.

Pakistani scientists will have the opportunity to analyze samples in Chinese laboratories, which is not possible in Pakistan due to the lack of expensive laboratory equipment and machines. Pakistani personnel will also have opportunities for training on ocean equipment innovation, equipment operation, data collection techniques on board, and post-cruise laboratory analysis.

The Signing of the Project Proposal on Joint Research, “Ecological Tipping Points in Estuaries under Global Change: Status of Indus River Mangroves and Fisheries Sustainability,” took place in Hangzhou, China, on 12th December 2025.

The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) signed the project proposal in collaboration with the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC), East China Normal University, with the support of the Pakistan Science Foundation.

The State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC), China, warmly welcomed a delegation from NIO, Karachi, Pakistan, on 12th December 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration in estuarine and coastal sciences.

During the visit, representatives from both institutions engaged in detailed discussions on current research initiatives, scientific capabilities, and prospective areas of cooperation, with particular emphasis on estuarine processes, coastal resilience, and marine environmental sustainability.

A key outcome of the engagement was the formal signing of a collaborative agreement between SKLEC and NIO, establishing a framework for joint research activities, academic exchange, capacity building, and sharing of scientific expertise.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering long-term institutional cooperation and advancing high-quality research to address regional and global coastal and marine challenges.

The visit concluded in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared purpose, with confidence expressed that the partnership will contribute to strengthening scientific collaboration between China and Pakistan in the field of estuarine and coastal research.

Visit of Korean Experts Team for Feasibility Study under the PCP Project

Date: October 21, 2025: A Team of Korean Experts conducting a feasibility study for the PCP project titled “Enhancing Water Sector Research Capabilities: Upgrading Facilities and Expanding Nationwide Water Resources Assessment Amidst Climate Change” visited the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Karachi.

The delegation, accompanied by the technical team of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), met with the Director General and his team of NIO on November 5, 2025, to discuss sea water intrusion, land subsidence in coastal Sindh, and ongoing research activities at NIO. The meeting also focused on potential areas of collaboration and joint research among KOICA (K Water), PCRWR and NIO to enhance national capacity in addressing coastal and water-related challenges under changing climatic conditions.

— National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan