Urges Pak Navy to utilize marine resources, commends role in maritime security; Says blue economy holds central importance in today’s world
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated government’s resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 7th Maritime Security Workshop at Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, he said that Pakistan has paid a heavy price of terrorism.
He said that eighty thousand people lost their lives while economy suffered losses worth billions of dollars during war against terrorism. Shehbaz Sharif said that previous PML N Government had eliminated this menace in 2018, however unfortunately terrorism has once again sprung out.
He vowed not to sit idle till the complete eradication of terrorism from the country. He said that several meetings of Apex Committee have been held to ensure maintenance of law and order. Shehbaz Sharif said that great sacrifices are being offered by officers and jawans of the armed forces to ensure security of the country and their sacrifices will not go in vain.
Talking about Pakistan Navy’s capabilities, the Prime Minister said Pak Navy’s officers and sailors have commitment and capacity to deal with entire spectrum of threats making Pakistan Navy a formidable force capable of ensuring the maritime security of the country. He said that Pakistan Navy is providing support to reap the benefits of the marine resources. He said that Pakistan’s development and progress is possible only through harnessing the blue economy. The Prime Minister said that China is also providing support to Pakistan in maritime sector. He said that Pakistan will become more prosperous when Gwadar Port will become fully functional.
He said that the Pakistan Navy was fully prepared to ensure the defense of the maritime boundaries of the country. The PM lauded the Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the development of the country and its significant role to the national security.
“The blue economy holds central importance in today’s world,” he remarked, highlighting Pakistan Navy’s proactive measures to harness maritime resources for the nation’s development. He also acknowledged China as a vital partner, expressing gratitude for its steadfast cooperation in the maritime domain.
Shehbaz Sharif underscored the critical link between economic prosperity and the efficient utilization of the blue economy, saying that Gwadar Port was considered a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic future due to its strategic location, economic potential, and its role in the development of regional trade and connectivity.
He was of the view that real estate business was not the domain of Port Trust and the professional approach could steer this institution towards its real commercial scope in the blue economy. He highlighted the importance of National Shipping Corporation and vowed to re-establish it in accordance with the commercial needs. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was full of talent and resources, adding that this potential should be utilized to get rid of the debt.
Earlier, he was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, upon his arrival at PN War College. In his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Navy War College, Rear Admiral Azhar Mahmood, provided an overview of workshop’s activities.
Later, a panel of participants presented a paper containing recommendations for a National Maritime Policy. The panel analyzed the maritime environment, highlighting its impact on national security and economic prosperity, and proposed measures to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The Maritime Security Workshop was an annual event organized by Pakistan Navy to enhance understanding of maritime security dynamics, create awareness about Blue Economy, and explore Pakistan’s untapped maritime potential.
Participants included parliamentarians, policymakers, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, armed forces officers, and media representatives.—Agencies
