ISLAMABAD: Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA) has outlined the government’s strategic focus on advancing the Blue Economy, underscoring its importance for Pakistan’s maritime development.
He was addressing a seminar on “Unlocking the Potential of Blue Economy and Pakistan’s National Security,” organized by the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA).
The event was aimed at highlighting the importance of maritime sector development, Pakistan’s profound dependence on maritime trade, the untapped potential of marine resources, and their intrinsic link to national security.
Syed Zafar Ali Shah highlighted ongoing efforts to boost port capabilities through private sector involvement and attract foreign investment to strengthen trade and economic growth. Stressing the Navy’s role in strengthening national defence, he added that internal strength is vital for external maritime influence.
He also said the government is committed to improving ports through the upcoming port master plan, which aims to upgrade them to deep-sea ports and enhance transit trade, particularly with Central Asian republics.
Syed Zafar Ali Shah addressed environmental challenges, including the need to fight pollution in Karachi. He added the development of Gwadar is vital for Baluchistan’s progress and stability. He also mentioned steps for the expansion of shipbuilding and port facilities at Port Qasim and Gwadar and utilizing ports for tourism, oil extraction, and renewable energy.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood DG ISSI in his remarks talked about Pakistan’s extensive maritime assets, including its lengthy Arabian Sea coastline, diverse marine life, and rich reserves of hydrocarbons, minerals, and fisheries. He highlighted the challenges in the policy and institutional frameworks impeding the full development of the Blue Economy and emphasized the need to gradually shift the focus from a primarily continental mindset to the maritime domain.
He added sustainable management of marine resources, with due attention to environmental considerations, was essential for economic growth.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also stressed the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region and Pakistan’s key position at a major global trade crossroads, with Gwadar Port playing a vital role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Earlier, Director ACDC Malik Qasim Mustafa highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy. He said that Pakistan must prioritize the Blue Economy as a new arena for investment and a critical element for sustainable economic activity. He added to overcome several related challenges in the maritime domain Pakistan needs to build an effective maritime policy.
Former Ambassador to China Masood Khalid elaborated on the geo-strategic importance of the Arabian Sea in the context of ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategic thought. He noted the Arabian Sea’s critical role in international trade adding the Indian Ocean comprises 20 percent of the world’s water.
He highlighted significant non-traditional threats and strategic imbalances from the U.S.-India cooperation as well as ASEAN’s security concerns.
Dr. Nazir Hussain, Member Board of Directors, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, shared his insights on harnessing the Blue Economy for sustainable economic growth. He noted the critical role of maritime resources in global trade and national security, emphasizing Pakistan’s underutilization of its over 1,000 km coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
He urged a shift from land-based to sea-based strategies to unlock US$100 billion in unexplored resources, advocating for national awareness and strategic initiatives to harness the Blue Economy.
Rear Admiral Syed Faisal Ali Shah addressed maritime security, discussing both challenges and opportunities. He voiced concern about India’s advancements in military AI and missile technology and the impacts of climate change on sea levels and biodiversity. He noted opportunities to overcome ‘sea blindness’, strengthen regional cooperation, and promote coastal tourism.
Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed, in his remarks, highlighted the critical gaps in understanding Pakistan’s Blue Economy, stressing its ethical ties to ecosystem preservation. He stressed the need to depoliticize Gwadar, improve fisheries exports, and enhance port visibility and security.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, in his vote of thanks, highlighted the vital connection between maritime opportunities and national security. He stressed that addressing security challenges is crucial to maximizing Pakistan’s maritime potential.
Academics, practitioners, diplomats, students, members of the think-tank community and the media attended the seminar.
