Introduction
This historical photograph shows Chief Engineer Altaf Shaikh standing in front of the newly built ship MV Malakand of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). The image was taken at IHI Shipyard, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan in 1980.
The photograph represents an important moment in Pakistan’s maritime engineering history and highlights the role of Pakistani marine engineers in international shipbuilding projects.
MV Malakand: A Modern Cargo Vessel
The MV Malakand was a modern cargo vessel associated with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). It was part of Pakistan’s efforts to expand its merchant shipping fleet and improve maritime trade capabilities during the late 20th century.
Ships like the MV Malakand played an important role in international trade, transporting goods across global sea routes and strengthening Pakistan’s maritime presence.
Chief Engineer Altaf Shaikh
Chief Engineer Altaf Shaikh, originally from Hala, Sindh (Pakistan), was a professional marine engineer associated with merchant shipping and maritime operations.
He is known for his experience in:
Marine engineering operations
Ship maintenance and technical systems
Long-distance sea voyages
International shipbuilding supervision
It is also noted that he contributed writings and travel-related articles, describing his experiences at sea, ship operations, technical issues, storms, and international ports.
His work provided valuable insight into maritime life and engineering challenges faced by ship crews.
Shipbuilding at IHI Shipyard, Japan
The MV Malakand was constructed or completed at the Ishikawajima-Harima Industries (IHI) Shipyard in Tokyo, Japan, one of the leading shipbuilding facilities in the world.
During the 1980s, Japan was a global leader in shipbuilding technology, and many international shipping companies, including Pakistan’s, relied on Japanese expertise for modern vessel construction.
The photograph taken in the shipyard reflects international cooperation in maritime engineering between Pakistan and Japan.
Maritime Importance of MV Malakand
The MV Malakand represents a phase of modernization in Pakistan’s shipping industry. Ships like this were essential for:
International cargo transport
Strengthening trade routes
Expanding national shipping capacity
Training and developing marine engineers
Such vessels played a key role in supporting Pakistan’s economic and maritime infrastructure.
Significance of the Photograph
This image is historically important because it:
Documents a Pakistani engineer in an international shipyard
Represents collaboration between Pakistan and Japan in shipbuilding
Highlights the professional life of marine engineers
Preserves a moment in Pakistan’s maritime history
It also reflects the global nature of shipping and the technical expertise required to operate modern vessels.
Conclusion
The photograph of Chief Engineer Altaf Shaikh with the MV Malakand stands as a valuable record of Pakistan’s maritime engineering history. It highlights both human expertise and industrial collaboration in the field of shipbuilding.
Such historical records help preserve the contributions of Pakistani engineers and the development of the national shipping industry during the modern era.
Written by: Amjad Ali Utmankhel
Urdu Description
چیف انجنئیر الطاف شیخ اپنے نئے بحری جہاز ایم وی ملاکنڈ کے ساتھ. .
یہ الطاف شیخ سندھ کے شہر ھالہ کا رھنے والا ھے ۔ سمندری جہاڑوں اور سمدری سفر کے حوالے سے شاید اس نے کتاب بھی لکھی ھے ۔ اور اپنے سفرنامے کراچی کے ایک اخبار میں لکھتا تھا کالم کی صورت میں ۔ بہت دلچسپ تحریر لکھتے تھے سفر کے حوالے ۔ جہاز میں انے والی خرابیوں کے بارے میں ۔ سمندری طوفانوں کے بارے میں ۔ دنیا کے مختلف سمندروں ۔ ملکوں اور شہروں کے بارے میں دلچسپ معلومات لکھتے تھے ۔
Chief Engineer Altaf shaikh infront of his newly built ship m.v. Malakand of PNSC, at I.H.I. Shipyard, Ginza Tokyo, Japan, 1980.
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