Lahore, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s maritime potential in transitioning to a sustainable economic future at the closing ceremony of the 6th Maritime Security Workshop held at the Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore.
According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Sindh, Admiral Ashraf addressed the necessity of realizing Pakistan’s maritime potential given the state of the country’s economy. He spoke at the workshop, an annual event organized by the Pakistan Navy to foster understanding of maritime security dynamics, raise awareness of the blue economy, and explore Pakistan’s untapped maritime potential. The event saw participation from parliamentarians, policymakers, bureaucrats, academia, entrepreneurs, and media representatives.
The Chief Guest highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s commitments to raising awareness of national maritime issues. He underscored the Navy’s initiatives in fostering informed debate on various topics, including security issues, the blue economy, strategic developments in the Indian Ocean Region, and geopolitical rivalry. Admiral Ashraf also mentioned the Pakistan Navy’s efforts in socio-economic upliftment, especially along the coastal areas.
Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College, provided a summary of the workshop’s activities in his welcome remarks. The nine-day workshop aimed to enhance understanding of maritime security and geopolitical considerations in the Indian Ocean. It focused on the opportunities and challenges in Pakistan’s maritime sector and its potential to boost the national economy.
The workshop’s participants received briefings on the Pakistan Navy’s role in defending national sea frontiers and promoting maritime interests abroad. The event comprised two phases: the first involved academic discourse on various maritime topics, and the second included visits to Naval Headquarters Islamabad, various Pakistan Navy installations in Karachi, and other maritime organizations.
Participants had the opportunity to board a Pakistan Navy ship and witness naval exercises and procedures at sea. They also visited Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Gwadar Port, and Jinnah Naval Base Ormara.
The workshop participants acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s role in addressing maritime challenges and provided suggestions for enhancing the maritime sector. They also presented a proposal for a comprehensive maritime policy for Pakistan.