The Pakistan Navy holds immense importance in Pakistan’s defence framework. It commands the naval warfare operations of the Pakistan Armed Forces and protects Pakistan’s 1000-mile-long coastline. In addition, it is responsible for the defence of the Arabian Sea and critical civilian ports. Since the establishment of Pakistan, the Navy has rendered countless services in support of the country’s policies. The foundation of the Pakistan Navy was laid by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. At its inception, Quaid-e-Azam declared these historic words: “Today is a historic day for Pakistan, especially for those associated with the Navy. The State of Pakistan and along with it a new Navy – the Royal Pakistan Navy – has come into existence. I am proud to be appointed its head and to serve alongside you.” While establishing the Navy, Quaid-e-Azam remarked that it is a small force, but its area of responsibility is vast. Therefore, it must excel in training to gain superiority over its adversaries. The Pakistan Navy has now evolved into a remarkable defensive force and is counted among the world’s leading naval forces. This is because our guardians carry out their missions not just along the coasts but also on the vast expanse and depths of the seas. When a submarine dives hundreds of meters below the water’s surface for an operation, it remains out of sight. However, even while invisible, it keeps a vigilant eye on the enemy to ensure the defence of the homeland. I have always been eager to learn more about this great force, and this passion was fulfilled when I got the opportunity to spend an entire week with the Navy. As I write these lines, I am still participating in the Maritime Security Workshop organized at the PN War College under the Pakistan Navy. This workshop is not merely an event; it offers insights into the history of the Navy – how it was founded with limited resources and how it has transformed into one of the world’s most powerful naval forces. Special credit for organising this spectacular experience goes to Commander Asad Yaseen whose attention to detail and expertise have added to its finesse. Additionally, I learned about the Navy’s significant role in Pakistan’s economy. This is the seventh Maritime Security Workshop conducted by the Pakistan Navy. The participants, led by Rear Admiral Azhar Mahmood, Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College, first visited the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. The Navy officers briefed the participants on maritime challenges, the Navy’s strategies, the promotion of maritime awareness, and the role of the Navy in the socio-economic development of coastal areas. On this occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also interacted with the participants. In his address, he elaborated on maritime security and the potential of Pakistan’s blue economy. He emphasized the efforts to strengthen maritime and coastal security through regional maritime security patrols, coastal security, and harbour defence initiatives Pakistan is among the fortunate countries endowed with a coastline. Approximately 50 countries in the world lack access to seas and rely on others for maritime trade. Pakistan has a coastline of about 1,000 kilometres and currently has three ports – two in Karachi and one in Gwadar. In comparison, a developed country like the United States has over 500 ports, as ports are no longer just a means of transport but have become integral to the economy. Returning to the topic of the workshop, Commodore Ehsan Ahmad Khan, Chief Instructor of the Pakistan Navy War College, provided a detailed briefing to the participants on the challenges faced by the Navy and its role. He explained how, despite limited resources, the Navy not only fulfils its defence requirements but also contributes to Pakistan’s economy. This is because no country can ignore maritime trade and hope to join the ranks of developed nations. Alongside defending Pakistan’s waters, the Navy also collaborates with the United Nations and other countries to maintain peace in the Arabian Sea and other international waters, a role widely acknowledged by the world. The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.