KARACHI: Under the auspices of Pakistan Navy and in tandem with Multinational Naval Exercise Aman-17, a three-day International Maritime Conference commenced today here at Karachi. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz was the chief guest at the opening ceremony.
The National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) invited eminent scholars from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK, and USA to deliberate on the topic “Strategic Outlook in The Indian Ocean Region 2030 and Beyond – Evolving Challenges and Strategies”.
While addressing the audience, the chief guest emphasised on the importance of uninterrupted use of seas for the common good. He stated that the marine environment is also an essential component of global life support system and investing in marine eco-systems can help us improve ocean management. He also assured unstinted support of the Government for the development of maritime sector.
Earlier, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in his opening remarks welcomed all guests and participants and highlighted the significant role being played by Pakistan Navy in sustenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He said that operationalisation of CPEC and Gwadar Port would lead to an exponential increase in maritime activities off our coast. Consequently, responsibilities of Pakistan Navy for maintaining secure maritime environment will also increase manifold. Recent establishment of Task Force-88 is also a step forward in this regard.
Later, President Azad Jammu & Kashmir, former Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan addressed the gathering as keynote speaker. He accentuated the challenges and opportunities of geo-political and economic trends in the Indian Ocean Region. In the second session of the conference, Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne, Sri Lankan Naval Chief was the chief guest who appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Navy in holding Aman-17. The dignitary also called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in a separate meeting. During the meeting, the matters of bilateral naval collaboration and role of PN’s effort in maintaining security and stability in Indian Ocean regions were discussed.
The prominent speakers of the session, Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmed, Commander Karachi deliberated on the Strategic Options for Pakistan Navy in emerging geo-political scenario, whereas Dr. Christine Bueger from the United Kingdom spoke on role of Pakistan in the Western Indian Ocean Security Architecture. Afterwards, Captain (Retd) Martin A. Sebastian from Malaysia talked about Organized Maritime Crimes and discussed different strategies for their effective management in the region.
In the last session of the day, speakers presented research papers on note worthy topics like Indian Expansionist Designs remain the greatest security risk to South Asia, Strategic Outlook in the Indian Ocean Region: Nuclear Dimensions and Impact on
Deterrence Stability, and expressed serious concerns on nuclearisation of maritime domain in Indian Ocean. Admiral Shahid Karimullah, former Chief of the Naval Staff was the Chief Guest for the Session.
