Dynamic Diplomacy, Rational Policies Essential to Safeguard Pak’s Maritime Economy

News Desk

Islamabad: “Effective security is essential to protect the expanding maritime economic activities in Pakistan, the region and beyond. Pakistan, therefore, needs proactive diplomacy, well-considered economic policies and risk management as important ingredients to harness and sustain the pace of development and potential growth,” Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Faisal Rasool Lodhisaid while addressing the symposium.

The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Islamabad organised a two-day International Maritime Symposium (IMS) on the topic “Geo-economic Dimensions of Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Opportunities for Region and Beyond” on December 20 and 21,2022. Experts from home and abroad presented their views about the geo-economic importance of IOR.

The focus of the second day’s proceeding was maritime security in the context of regional connectivity. Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Rao spoke about the maritime threats and challenges from a regional perspective. He talked about the Malacca strait choke point and its importance to the world, especially to China. He also emphasized that Gwadar is a commercial port and its security is vital for economic dividends.University of Copenhagen Dr Christian Beuger talked about the security of sea lines of communications (SLOCs) and emphasized collaborative strategy in IOR to meet the non-conventional threats, particularly to SLOCs. He opined that Pakistan is in a position to take the lead in this regard.

Bahria University Dr Azhar Ahmed stated that geo-economics is an instrument to achieve objectives of geo-politics. He underscored that without political stability, no country can progress.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood highlighted the significance of maritime security and its linkage with national security. He emphasized the need for developing operational strategies to meet maritime security threats. Bahria University Dr Hassan Daud Butt spoke about the need for regional connectivity, both on land and over sea.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed while deliberating on the current global security scenario, stated, “It is the most dangerous decade since World War II. The world is witnessing historic changes; economic and global powers are emerging from the East.”

He was of the view that the next war is expected to be at sea and not on land; therefore, Pakistan needs to ensure foolproof maritime security.

The message of the Prime Minister was also read out during the session. While emphasizing the national maritime security, the PM opined that Pakistan is heavily dependent on its sea lines of communications because over 90 per cent of the country’ strade and almost 100 per cent of its energy imports are via sea lanes.

Therefore, any disruption in maritime trade has serious repercussions for national security. The government recognises the importance of this imperative and is providing full support to the maritime security apparatus, particularly the Pakistan Navy. The symposium was well attended by maritime professionals, security experts, academia, think tanks and media personnel.