A Chinese delegation from the Second Institute of Oceanography, representing Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), People’s Republic of China visited National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) Pakistan from 16th to 20th August 2023. The visit of a delegation from the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Pakistan marked the commencement of a significant collaboration.

Day 1 – 16th August 2023

The visit of the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) delegation to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Pakistan centered on discussions regarding the establishment of a Ground Station for Marine Remote Sensing (GSMRS). The DirectorGeneral of NIO presented a comprehensive overview of NIO's functions, achievements, and ongoing research projects and plans, National and International Collaborations. The schedule for the visit was also discussed and the importance of stakeholder’s engagements and support was conveyed.

The meeting concluded with a brief plan for the next day’s site visits for Dhabeji and Ghorabari Sub Station. In the afternoon, the delegation visited each section of the Institute and interacted with the researchers showing interest in their work and possible partnerships for the future.

Day 2 – 17th August 2023

The group comprising of the Chinese guests and NIO Project team and relevant officials with the Director General traveled to Dhabeji, the site identified for GSMRS in 2015. The team then continued to visit the NIO substation Ghorabari (GBSS) at Gharo, District Thatta. The DG NIO introduced the substation, providing insights into its background, current status, ongoing and future scientific activities planned at Ghorabari.

Day 3 – 18th August 2023

The stakeholders from various national institutions were invited to meet with the SIO delegation and NIO had arranged briefing on the background of the project and technical details of the project and the end-user engagement. Senior representative from the International Liaison office, MoST was also present. The stakeholders engaged directly with the NIO and SIO. With the new Ground station for marine applications. Dr. Samina Kidwai, DG NIO, expects new opportunities for young researchers and early-career ocean professionals (ECOP). She expects that the facility cannot just cater to Pakistani researcher needs but can provide a professional development platform for regional countries and others interested.

SIO delegation accompanied by the Director General, Project team, NIO relevant experts of the subject and representative of IL MoST, visited the International Center of Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. At the ICCBS the group was received warmly by the Distinguished Professor Dr. Atta ur Rehman and the team of ICCBS. A briefing was arranged.In the end of the briefing; the guests were presented with the presents.

Day 4 – 19th August 2023

The research and development operations being carried out by multiple sections of NIO were presented by the sectional heads to the SIO Delegation, encompassing the relevant projects that are planned for remote sensing applications. Notably, the participation of Geology and Geophysics section in Continental Shelf Extension, the Chinese geological survey cruises was highlighted. Likewise the Physical Section showedtheir R & D projects, their PSDP projects specially the ongoing “Monitoring the sea water intrusion, sea level rise, coastal erosion and land subsidence along Sindh and Baluchistan coast”. The HOD/PD showed how important this project was to Pakistan planning coastal installations, safety of the coastal zone, the wellbeing and livelihoods of the coastal communities. The involvement of Integrated Physical Oceanography lab in monitoring of TC BIPARJOY was conveyed to be instrumental in National Collaboration. The Chemistry Section presented ongoing projects related to environmental studies in the creeks of Indus delta and marine pollution risk assessments. The biology section presented the research work, facilities, collaborations, publications, international partnerships and projects (International, PSDP, and R & D Projects). Keen interest in the research activities of NIO’s sections was expressed by Chinese delegation.

Day 5 – 20th August 2023 – Sunday

The recommendations were drafted, reviewed, and subsequently signed on both sides, witnessed by IL, MoST and shared identical true copies by both parties.

On August 11, 2023, at 1100 hours, NIO celebrated its 76th Independence Day in the NIO auditorium. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan. DG NIO enriched the occasion with her presence and her introductory remarks regarding the history of Independence Day. NIO scientists and staff enthusiastically performed national songs and remarks about the joy of living in an independent nation and to honor those who dedicated their lives in sacrifice to make Pakistan an independent Muslim nation.

A cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the 76th Independence Day brought the ceremony to close at 1200 hours.

All NIO scientists & staff participated in the remarkable event and showed the solidarity to our beloved country and pray to success in future.

Some of the NIO's officers carried out a plantation drive at the conclusion of the ceremony as a symbol of their commitment to Pakistan's future sustainability.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan approved the appointment of DR. SAMINA KIDWAI as the regular DIRECTOR GENERAL (BS 21) of the National Institute of Oceanography Pakistan. She has taken charge of office on 7th January 2021 for a period of 3 years.

Profile: Professional Marine Sciences (Biological Oceanography) research experience of over 29 years, 24 years at NIO with more than 15+ years of post-doctoral experience. Research interests include Biological Oceanography, (zoo)plankton ecology, bio-physical interactions and coastal deep sea interface and its effects on plankton ecology, food-web dynamics using biomarkers, developing Marine Bio-Geographical Information Systems (Marine BioGIS) for Pakistan and for the Northwest Arabian Sea, island and deltaic ecosystems and the impact/resilience to climatic variability on marine ecosystems, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Member of the NIO team in several international research initiatives and national consultancy projects. Interested in National Capacity Building & Strengthening in Ocean Sciences for Pakistan, and Pakistan preparedness for International programs such as the UN SDG14, Blue Economy, UN OCEAN DECADE program 2021-2030 & IIOE-2. Involvement in International Scientific diplomacy and national coordination for progress in oceanography. Visiting scientist in several countries. Represented Pakistan at several International fora, made oral presentations: Belgium, Bermuda, China, Denmark, India (SAARC), Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Sri-Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America. Private International travels also include- Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UAE, K.S.A. Received YOUNG SCIENTIST CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION IHDP, IGBP,WCRP, Washington, USA, Best oral presentation at Islamic Network Oceanographic Commission (INOC), Lebanon; First Prize for best speaker at the SAARC “Training on Multidisciplinary Oceanographic Observation for Coastal Zone Management at Goa, India. Coordinator of two International collaborations of NIO. Currently, Project Director of a Public Sector Development Project, GOP. Has more than 60 scientific publications (scientific journals/peer reviewed with impact factor, recognised, book chapters, project/technical reports, press releases, general interest articles etc.)