ISLAMABAD: Pakistan must ensure that its maritime security is foolproof as 90 percent of its trade and 100pc of its energy imports are carried out through sea. This was highlighted at an event organised in the capital focused on maritime security.

The two-day International Maritime Symposium concluded on Thursday with a focus on maritime security in the context of regional connectivity.

The symposium was organised by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), the International Maritime Symposium (IMS) and the theme of the event was ‘Geo-Economic Dimensions of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) - Opportunities for Region and Beyond’. Speakers from home and abroad presented their views about the geo-economic importance of IOR.

Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood, vice chief of air staff was the chief guest. Retired Vice Admiral Iftikhar Rao spoke about maritime regional threats and challenges. He talked about the Malacca strait choke point and its importance for the world, especially China. He also pointed out that Gwadar was a commercial port and its security was vital for economic dividends.

Dr Christian Beuger from University of Copenhagen, talked about the Security of Sealines of Communications (SLOCs) and emphasised on a collaborative strategy in IOR to meet non-conventional threats.

In his remarks, Prof Azhar Ahmed from Bahria University was of the view that geo-economics was an instrument to achieve the objectives of geo-politics. He underscored that without political stability, no country could progress.

In his views, Air Marshal Mahmood highlighted the importance of maritime security and its link with national security. He emphasised on the need of developing operational strategies to meet maritime security threats. Dr Hassan Daud Butt of Bahria University spoke about the need for regional connectivity, both on land and over sea.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, who was the key note speaker, deliberating on the current global security scenario, said that this was the most dangerous decade after World War II. “The world is witnessing historic changes; economic and global powers are emerging from the East,” he said, adding that the next war was expected to be at sea and not on land. Pakistan needed to ensure fool proof maritime security.

The message of the prime minister of Pakistan was also read out during the session. While emphasising on the maritime security of Pakistan, the PM highlighted that Pakistan was heavily dependent on its sea lines of communications. Over 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade and almost 100 percent of its energy imports were through sea. Any disruption in maritime trade would have serious repercussions for national security. The government was well aware of this and was providing all out support to the maritime security apparatus especially to the Pakistan Navy.

Vice Admiral Faisal Rasool Lodhi, vice chief of the naval staff was chief guest at the closing session.

He said that effective security was essential towards protecting the expanding maritime economic activities in Pakistan, the region and beyond. Pakistan needs proactive diplomacy, well considered economic policies and risk management as important ingredients to harness and sustain the pace of development and potential growth.

The symposium was attended by maritime professionals, security experts, academia, think tanks and media personnel.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2022