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_: It is a historical fact that before independence, it was Jinnah who realized the impact of shipping in the national economy of state. He sought assistance of Mr. Rustom Fakirjee and Muhammad Ali. They promised by traveling to London and convincing Livanos, Father-in-Law of Onasis and Niarchos to give them three ships on Time Charter. The vessels were S.S. "STRYMOW", S.S. "VEST" in the name of Cowasjee's East and West Steamship Company and S.S. "MOUNT KYLLENE" in the name of Mohammadi Steamship Company, so Jinnah's dream came true on 14th of August 1947, when three ships were flying Pak Flag, thus Jinnah is the father of Pak Merchant Navy as well.
It is on record that first merchant shipping notification No. S. 1033 of 6th December 1947 declaring Karachi and Chittagong as part of Registry was signed by M. A. ainnah, issued by ministry of commerce industries and works. This shows the interest of founding father in shipping industry and its impact on economy.
Charles Napier and Charles Mason were the driving force in 1830 to improve Karachi Port to boost shipping. It was James Walker who designed Karachi Port on 8th September 1856. Private sector entered into ship owning arena at the dawn of independence and in 1973 prior to nationalization, the total strength of Pak merchant fleet was 79 ships jointly owned by mostly private and partly by public sector. The private sector was the...