Closing Ceremony IMS – 22: National Institute Of Maritime Affairs

The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Islamabad organized a two-day International Maritime Symposium (IMS), on the topic “Geo-economic Dimensions of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) – Opportunities for Region and Beyond” on 20 and 21 December 2022. Experts from home and abroad presented their views about the geo-economic importance of IOR.

The focus of the second-day proceeding was on maritime security in the context of regional connectivity. Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood, vice chief of Air Staff was the chief guest. Whereas Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem (Retd) moderated the session discussion. Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Rao spoke about the Maritime Threats & Challenges from Regional Perspective. He talked about the Malacca strait choke point and its importance to the world, especially to China. He also emphasized that Gwadar is a commercial port and its security is vital for economic dividends.

Dr. Christian Beuger, of the University of Copenhagen, talked about the Security of Sealines of Communications (SLOCs) and emphasized collaborative strategy in IOR to meet the non-conventional threats, particularly to SLOCs. He opined that Pakistan is in a position to take the lead in this regard. While delivering the talk, Prof. Dr. Azhar Ahmed, of Bahria University, was of the view that Geo- Economics is an instrument to achieve the objectives of Geo-Politics. He underscored that without political stability no country can progress.

Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood highlighted the importance of maritime security and its linkage with national security. He emphasized the need of developing operational strategies to meet maritime security threats. Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, of Bahria University, spoke about the need for regional connectivity, both on land and over the sea.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, keynote speaker, while deliberating on the current global security scenario, opined that it is the most dangerous decade after World War II. The world is witnessing historic changes; economic and global powers are emerging from the East. He was of the view that the next war is expected to be at sea and not on land, therefore, Pakistan needs to ensure foolproof maritime security.

The message of the Prime Minister of Pakistan was also read out during the session. While emphasizing the Maritime Security of Pakistan, PM opined that Pakistan is heavily dependent on its sea lines of communications because over 90% of Pakistan’s trade and almost 100% of energy imports are through the sea. Therefore, any disruption in maritime trade has serious repercussions for national security. The government is well aware of this imperative and is providing all-out support to the maritime security apparatus, especially to Pakistan Navy.

Vice Admiral Faisal Rasool Lodhi, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff was the chief guest of the closing session. He emphasized that effective security is essential to protect the expanding maritime economic activities in Pakistan, the region, and beyond. Pakistan, therefore, needs proactive diplomacy, well-considered economic policies, and risk management as important ingredients to harness and sustain the pace of development and potential growth.

The symposium was well attended by maritime professionals, security experts, academia, think tanks, and media personnel.