Daily Times

The current era is defined by geo-economics driving geo-politics. It has become imperative need for countries, especially developing, to prioritize geo-economics which could then translate as consequential weight in international geopolitics. In case of Pakistan, the geo-economic success is underpinned by CPEC and connectivity that it is projected to provide within and at regional level as well as beyond.

The geopolitical power shift from Atlantic to Asia-Pacific in 2012 prompted regional and extra-regional actors to scramble for power in Indian Ocean region. The shift signified that future course of foreign policy of major states would be ocean centric. As later events proved, the power tussle in Indian Ocean is marked by US-China and India-China competition. In wider context however despite bloc politics gaining ascendancy, we see a tinge of cooperation in Indian Ocean as well though insignificant.

The United States and India have forged strategic partnership. Its manifestation comes by way of various strategic accords and arrangements including BECA, COMCASA, LEMOA, MSRA etc. Concurrently, India’s growing influence in the region as self- proclaimed net security provider and strategic partnership with U.S. has strongly aided in strengthening New Delhi’s naval muscle. The large-scale bilateral and multilateral naval exercises like Malabar and Quad deeply undercut strategic balance of power in the region thus promoting instability. Establishment of military foothold by India in Islands like Seychelles and Mauritius and a naval base at Duqm, Oman are viewed with concern.

The geopolitical power shift from Atlantic prompted regional and extra-regional actors to scramble for power in Indian Ocean.

These geo-political issues aren’t in isolation from the geo-economic developments. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), key project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a watershed for Pakistan’s blue growth. This is a geo-economic endeavour that has given prominence to maritime sector. By shifting the commercial activities to Gwadar-Kashgar route instead of long circuitous sea route traversing Malacca, the US-India nexus has been geopolitically outmanoeuvred.

Rationale of this connectivity project is to boost economy of Pakistan while simultaneously furthering regional integration of both, China and Pakistan. PN is steadfast in providing security and protection to this important enterprise. A suitably armed, equipped and trained dedicated task force provides 24/7 protection to maritime component of CPEC. This includes guarding approaches from seaward side as well.

Pakistan’s geo-strategic location endows it with abundant opportunities to utilize its untapped blue economy potential. By harnessing hitherto unexploited potential and investment in offshore energy, shipping, fisheries, ship breaking and shipbuilding, Pakistan can provide tremendous stimulus to its mainstream economy over period of time.

In addition, it can generate enormous employment opportunities. For a measure consider: Pakistan’s shipbreaking potential stands at $3 billion; however, its utilization remains a meagre $ 100 million. Exploitation of overall blue economy potential of Pakistan is only 37 percent far less compared to neighbouring countries. And these are just two segments that remain under exploited. It is imperative for Pakistan to fulfill the existing policy gaps in the maritime sector. This in turn is crucial for averting negative impact on national security and efforts to propel the country on path of prosperity.

Being a quintessential littoral state of Indian Ocean, for long Pakistan Navy has endeavoured to underscore the inalienable nexus between country’s national security and maritime security. That this has an ultimate bearing on the country’s economy cannot be over emphasised. Bestowed with 1001-km coastline, over 240,000 sq/km Exclusive Economic Zone along with 50,000 sq/km additional area of continental shelf. Pakistan’s trade is almost exclusively sea-based. Practically 100 percent of oil supplies and over 90 percent of country’s trade transits via maritime highways. This makes sea the most important medium for national commerce and commercial activities.

In this backdrop, the initiative of Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW) by Pakistan Navy holds immense relevance. Raising levels of understanding amongst country’s intelligentsia on key facets of maritime security, blue economy, the untapped maritime potential, developing geopolitics in the Indian Ocean besides role of Pakistan Navy in peace and war is the core agenda of this workshop.

It is also intended to disseminate knowledge on maritime issues and thus reduce the affliction of maritime blindness across segments of society and decision making bodies in Pakistan. Accordingly, MARSEW brings together policymakers, academia, media as well as business community to sensitize them to the indispensability of maritime sector and maritime security for greater good of national security. This in turn aims to beget effective maritime policy and national decisions.

MARSEW 2024 is seventh in the series scheduled to be held from 26 Nov-5 Dec 24. The nine-day workshop is divided in two phases. The on-campus phase will involve academic activities wherein distinguished subject matter experts, scholars, and speakers will lead discussions on various topics relevant to maritime sector and maritime security.

The second phase will be field trip to key naval commands and coastal facilities including Naval Headquarter, Sir Creek, Gwadar and Karachi port, in addition to Karachi Shipyard and Engineering works.

The writer is a freelance columnist.