National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organised two-day International Maritime Symposium (IMS), on the topic Geo-economic Dimensions of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Opportunities for Region and beyond.
Experts from home and abroad presented their views about the geo-economic importance of IOR. The focus of second day proceeding was on maritime security in the context of regional connectivity. Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood, vice chief of Air Staff was the chief guest.Whereas Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem(Retd)moderated the session discussion. Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Rao spoke about the Maritime Threats &Challenges in 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 portand its security is vital for economic dividends. Dr. Christian Beuger,of University of Copenhagen,talked about the Security of Sealines of Communications (SLOCs) and emphasized collaborativestrategy 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. While delivering talk, Prof. Dr. Azhar Ahmed, of Bahria University, was of the view that Geo- Economics is an instrument to achieve objectives of Geo-Politics. He underscored that without political stability no country can progress. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, key note speaker, while deliberating on the current global security scenario, opined that it is the most dangerous decade after World War II. World is witnessing historic changes;economic and global powers are emerging from East.He was of the view that next war is expected to be at sea and not on land, therefore, Pakistan needs to ensure fool proof maritime security. Vice Admiral Faisal Rasool Lodhi, ViceChief of the Naval Staff was the chief guest of the closing session. He emphasized that effective security is essential to protect the expanding maritime economic activities in Pakistan, region and beyond. Pakistan.
