LAHORE:The 2nd Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-18) under the banner ‘Blue Economy – Prosperous Pakistan’ culminated at Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore. Concurrent to the closing ceremony of the workshop, the 1st Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan was also launched. President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi graced the occasion as chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also present at the impressive ceremony besides senior civil and military dignitaries.
While emphasizing significance of Blue Economy the President remarked that resource scarcity on land has forced nations to turn their gaze from land to sea. For Pakistan’s economic prosperity, focus towards Maritime sector and its development is not a matter of choice rather a matter of compulsion. It is time that we must develop credible solutions to the issues we face in the development of maritime sector.
Dr. Arif Alvi further added that Institutionalization of Maritime Security Workshop is a remarkable and a well-timed initiative by Pakistan Navy. It provides an insight and a good grasp over what tremendous potential maritime sector holds and the extraordinary role of Pakistan Navy to spearhead various initiatives to tap these resources for the country’s economic prosperity.
At the launch of Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan (MDP), President expressed that the MDP would be a trendsetter and would go a long way in laying a foundation for promotion of maritime sector for present and coming generations. The document is an effort to lay foundations for a greater understanding and awareness on matters related to oceans and undertaking of multiple peace and war time roles by Pakistan Navy. Certainly, MDP will act as a stimulus in sensitizing the public at large, shape opinions and become instrumental in providing a sense of direction to the national maritime sector of Pakistan.
Earlier, in his address, the Commandant PN War College Rear Admiral Naveed Ahmed Rizvi expressed his gratitude to the President and Chief of the Naval Staff for their worthy presence at the occasion. While signifying MARSEW-18, the commandant said that this Workshop has provided a forum for a better understanding of the maritime affairs and associated matters by the legislative body, bureaucracy, academia and private sector of the country.
Dr. Arif Alvi also laid floral wreath at Yaadgar-e-Shuhda at Pakistan Navy War College. In the end, the participants of MARSEW-18 were awarded certificates by the President of Pakistan.
Second of the series, the Maritime Security Workshop encompassed on-campus discussions on maritime potential of Pakistan, the maritime environment, blue economy, and national maritime policy and strategy. During the second leg of the workshop participants visited Naval Headquarters Islamabad, Pakistan Navy installations and units at Karachi, Coastal and Creeks area for orientation and familiarization. The members visited important maritime organizations like Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSandEW) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The participants also had a sea trip on board Pakistan Navy destroyer and later briefed on Pakistan Navy command structure and coastal as well as creeks area defences. Tour of Gwadar Port and briefing on in progress CPEC maritime related projects constituted pinnacle of the visit.