Speakers call for maximum utilization of Pakistan’s maritime potential for sustainable economic growth
Speakers at a seminar on ‘Unlocking potential of the blue economy and Pakistan’s national security’ called for maximum utilization of Pakistan’s maritime potential and held that only by harnessing the Blue Economy can we achieve sustainable economic growth.
The seminar organized by the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) was addressed by a number of experts including former ambassadors, naval officers, in-serving and retired bureaucrats, etc
The event provided an opportunity to understand and underscore 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. The speakers included former Ambassador AmbMasood Khalid, Member Board of Directors, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo-Sri Lanka, DrNazirHussain, President, NIMA Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed and Honorary Research Fellow NIMA Rear Admiral (R) Faisal Ali Shah.
Federal Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA) Syed Zafar Ali Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion. In his keynote address, Syed Zafar Ali Shah outlined the government’s strategic focus on advancing the Blue Economy, underscoring its importance for Pakistan’s maritime development.
He highlighted the efforts to enhance port capabilities through private sector involvement and attract foreign investment to boost trade and economic growth.
Emphasizing the Navy’s role in strengthening national defence, he stressed that internal strength is crucial for external maritime influence. He also reiterated the government’s commitment 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.
Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed highlighted the critical gaps in understanding Pakistan’s blue economy, stressing its ethical ties to ecosystem preservation.
He emphasized the need to depoliticize Gwadar, improve fisheries exports, and enhance port visibility and security. He also advocated using small coastal ships for efficient transit and stressed better resource allocation for the effective implementation of policies.
AmbMasood 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 global trade and described the Indian Ocean as comprising 20 percent of the world’s water.
Dr. NazirHussain stressed that Pakistan remained “sea-blind” and underutilized its maritime potential. He urged a shift from land-based to sea-based strategies to unlock US$100 billion in untapped 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. Earlier Ambassador SohailMahmood welcomed the guests and emphasized the Blue Economy’s pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s national security and driving long-term economic resilience and growth.
