The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) recently held a significant seminar titled “Unlocking the Potential of Blue Economy and Pakistan’s National Security.” In collaboration with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), the event brought together prominent experts and officials to discuss the critical relationship between maritime sector development, Pakistan’s reliance on maritime trade, and the untapped potential of marine resources. The seminar also explored how these elements are intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s national security.
Pakistan’s Blue Economy:
The concept of the Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. For Pakistan, with its extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea and the potential of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Blue Economy holds immense promise. However, the country has yet to fully capitalize on these maritime assets.
The seminar’s chief guest, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA), delivered a keynote address that emphasized the government’s strategic focus on developing the Blue Economy. He outlined several ongoing initiatives to upgrade Pakistan’s port infrastructure, enhance private sector participation, and attract foreign investment.
Key points from his address included:
- Advancing Port Capabilities: Shah discussed the government’s efforts to improve port infrastructure, particularly through the development of deep-sea ports and expansion of port facilities at Port Qasim and Gwadar. The government’s upcoming port master plan aims to enhance Pakistan’s transit trade potential, particularly with Central Asian Republics.
- Gwadar’s Development: Shah emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar for both Baluchistan’s economic progress and Pakistan’s overall stability. Gwadar is a critical part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and its development as a major port city holds immense promise for Pakistan’s maritime trade.
- Environmental and Economic Challenges: Shah addressed the growing issue of marine pollution, particularly in Karachi, and emphasized the importance of sustainable port management. He also highlighted the government’s plans to boost shipbuilding, expand the fishing industry, and tap into renewable energy resources along the coastline.
Amb. Sohail Mahmood’s Welcome Address
In his opening remarks, Amb. Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, emphasized the pivotal role of the Blue Economy in strengthening Pakistan’s national security and driving long-term economic resilience. Mahmood highlighted the nation’s extensive maritime assets, including a 1,000 km-long Arabian Sea coastline and rich reserves of marine life, hydrocarbons, minerals, and fisheries.
Despite these assets, Mahmood noted that Pakistan has been slow to shift from a land-focused economic approach to a maritime-centric one. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, noting Pakistan’s unique position at a global trade crossroads, which includes the increasingly important Gwadar Port. Mahmood stressed the need for Pakistan to adopt a more comprehensive maritime policy that includes environmental sustainability, strategic diplomacy, and security measures to safeguard its maritime interests.
Policy Challenges and Institutional Deficiencies
One of the recurring themes in the seminar was the policy and institutional gaps hindering the full development of Pakistan’s Blue Economy. Director ACDC Malik Qasim Mustafa pointed out that despite Pakistan’s vast maritime resources, the country remains largely “sea-blind” — meaning that it has not fully recognized or utilized its maritime potential. He highlighted the need for:
- A National Maritime Policy: Mustafa stressed that without a coherent national maritime policy, Pakistan’s potential for sustainable economic growth through marine resources would remain underutilized.
- Protecting Sea Lines of Communication: Mustafa explained that Pakistan’s trade and energy supplies are heavily reliant on maritime routes. Any disruption to these sea lines of communication (SLOCs) could severely impact the country’s economy and national security.
Geopolitical Context: Indo-Pacific Strategy and Regional Stability
Several speakers at the seminar addressed the geopolitical challenges facing Pakistan’s maritime security. Amb. Masood Khalid, former Ambassador to China, elaborated on the geo-strategic importance of the Arabian Sea in the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. He explained that the Indian Ocean, which comprises 20% of the world’s water, is a critical hub for global trade and energy routes.
Khalid raised concerns about India’s growing naval ambitions and the U.S.-India partnership aimed at containing China’s influence in the region. He warned that India’s increasing military capabilities, including advancements in artificial intelligence and missile technology, pose a threat to regional stability. Additionally, Khalid noted that NATO’s recent designation of China as a strategic threat adds further complexity to the maritime security landscape.
Harnessing the Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth
Dr. Nazir Hussain, a member of the Board of Directors at the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo, offered insights into the economic potential of the Blue Economy. He highlighted Pakistan’s underutilization of its coastline and EEZ, which could generate significant revenue through industries such as fishing, tourism, and oil extraction.
Hussain emphasized the need for Pakistan to:
- Shift from Land-Based to Sea-Based Strategies: He noted that Pakistan’s economy has traditionally been land-focused, with little attention paid to the maritime sector. By shifting its focus, the country could unlock $100 billion in untapped resources.
- Promote National Awareness of Maritime Issues: Hussain called for increased public awareness and education on the importance of the Blue Economy, urging the government to implement strategic initiatives to harness the economic potential of maritime resources.
Maritime Security: Challenges and Opportunities
Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah (Retd.) discussed the maritime security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. He expressed concerns about the escalating competition between the U.S. and China and its potential to destabilize the region. Shah also highlighted non-traditional threats, such as climate change, which could impact sea levels and biodiversity along Pakistan’s coastline.
Despite these challenges, Shah identified several opportunities for Pakistan, including:
- Regional Cooperation: He advocated for greater cooperation between Pakistan and neighboring countries to address common maritime security concerns.
- Coastal Tourism and Fisheries: Shah emphasized the potential for developing coastal tourism and expanding the fishing industry, both of which could contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.
Strategic Gaps and Ethical Considerations
In his concluding remarks, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd.) underscored the ethical responsibility of managing Pakistan’s maritime resources in a way that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. He stressed the need to depoliticize the development of Gwadar and improve the visibility and security of Pakistan’s ports.
Saeed also highlighted the importance of using small coastal ships for more efficient transit, which could reduce the pressure on larger ports and contribute to more sustainable maritime development.
The Way Forward:
The seminar at ISSI and NIMA underscored the vast potential of Pakistan’s Blue Economy and its crucial link to national security. With its strategic location at the crossroads of global trade routes, Pakistan stands to gain significantly from developing its maritime assets. However, to unlock this potential, the country must overcome several challenges, including policy gaps, environmental concerns, and security threats.
The event concluded with a call for comprehensive maritime policies, regional cooperation, and strategic investment in the Blue Economy, which will not only enhance Pakistan’s economic resilience but also strengthen its national security.
References:
- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
- National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA)
- Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA), Pakistan
- CPEC Authority
