Reema Shaukat
PLANET earth comprises 70% of water and 30% dry land and it is inquisitive nature of human which leads to explore ways on utilizing all channels and ways of communication. In the Holy Quran, the word ‘Bahr’ has been used 41 times in 39 verses, giving inspiration to mankind to find its food, skill and new venues to gain opulence. Prophet Noah was the first man who is regarded as the founder of maritime industry, who himself built a ship and his Ark is considered as the first passenger. History suggests that prior to land routes, man travelled on sea routes to explore world and reconnoitred how maritime or sea related activities can be fruitful for humans. Certainly with the passage of time, when the territorial waters were identified and sea routes to many states were explored, it generated clashes and disputes among the distribution of resources and thirst to control each other. In modern times history, Alfred Thayer Mahan, US Naval Strategist suggested that “Whoever rules the waves, rules the world”, thus highlighting the importance of sea power and maritime domain more clearly after World Wars.
Every year on 24th of September, World Maritime Day is observed with an objective to highlight the crucial role of maritime industry and to underline the importance of maritime security, environment, safety and shipping.” Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet” is the World Maritime theme for 2020. According to UN, this will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and showcase the work that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Member States are undertaking to achieve the targets. International Maritime Organization has devised a strategy and regulatory framework to give boost to shipping industry and have sustainable future. In this regard, IMO has adopted and will continue to develop measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil, implement the Ballast Water Management Convention, protect the polar regions, reduce marine litter, improve the efficiency of shipping through the electronic exchange of information, meet the challenges of the digitalization of shipping and enhance the participation of women in the maritime community.
Maritime industry has many extensive domains which give support to any country’s financial pillars thus it is often coined with the term “Blue Economy”. The concept of Blue Economy exemplifies industries like ports, shipping companies, energy and renewable energy sector, fisheries, maritime transportation, tourism, climate change, waste management to name a few in lthe ist. Considering the importance of maritime industry, Government of Pakistan declared year 2020 as the year of Blue Economy, so Pakistan can make best use of maritime potential laying in its more than 1000 kilometres long coast alongside Arabian Sea. In the past few years, Pakistan through CPEC venture is having rapid development in terms of infrastructure and many projects can work out in domain of maritime like marine food processing chain, exploring Exclusive Economic Zones, LPG & LNG terminals, coastal development plans and shipping industry. Maritime transport is considered as the cheapest method of moving cargo in bulk, especially in developing countries, low cost with efficient maritime transport helps in sustainable development. Shipping industry in Pakistan is quite reviving with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation as national fleet carrier. Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works is Pakistan’s largest ship building, ship repair and heavy engineering which also contributed in groundwork of submarines in Pakistan. Presence of operational ports at Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Pasni harbour, Ormara Port and now Gwadar Port enhance Pakistan’s maritime assets.
Generally speaking, maritime is often confused with Navy. Maritime is a comprehensive domain which involves all elements of sea power including ports, harbours, ocean’s economic resources and maritime military forces. However, Navy is one defence force which is to ensure safety and security against any kind of military aggression in one’s territorial waters. Pakistan has outstanding naval force which is reflected by their fearlessness, commitment to profession, exceptional training, professional competence and valour whenever required. Pakistan Navy has gone beyond in its role of defending sea frontiers and always led from front in any kind of disaster relief activities, health camps, educational facilities, vocational training and humanitarian assistance.
No doubt, oceans have always played an important role in shaping geopolitics of any region. Apart from economic benefits, oceans are critical for sustainability of littoral states and in present times where oil is used as weapon in international politics, importance of oceans and maintaining balance of power in any particular expanse cannot be ruled out. The Indian Ocean is the 3rd largest ocean having energy rich littoral states but this region has become militarized more with the presence of great powers and also nuclearized with Indian hegemonic designs and naval military build-up in Indian Ocean Region. Undoubtedly, such militarization changes the maritime environment and dynamics of security, economy and climate are also affected. Pakistan while understanding its pivotal role in IOR presented “Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan-Preserving Freedom of Seas” in 2018 whose purpose is to provide understanding to all stakeholders on the distinctive attributes of national maritime sector and the role of Pakistan Navy in national security.
It addresses both military and non-military attributes of Pakistan’s maritime region and offers areas of awareness, research, development and cooperation in maritime and with friendly navies. Pakistan being a gateway to Central Asian Republics and having moderate temperature of water in its seas, makes it accessible over the year to landlocked countries. Ministry of Maritime Affairs and other maritime-related organizations like National Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee, National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Coast Guard and other think-tanks are working in their respective research and operational domains to overcome aspect of sea-blindness in Pakistan. With the changing global scenario and political intrusions, maritime realm faces a lot of challenges yet it is a thriving force for countries leading to stability and affluence. Militarization, piracy, climate change, terrorism, drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal movements are some factors which can be controlled by countries to enhance economy, tourism, and industrial resources in maritime.
— The writer works for Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, a think-tank based in Islamabad.
