KARACHI: Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Saturday said that nuclearisation and militarisation of the Indian Ocean poses a grave threat to the regional peace and security.
The advisor addressing the opening session of seventh international maritime conference said that it needs to be questioned whether the Indian Ocean in the upcoming years till 2030 will place a role of conflict and rivalry, or a role of peace and progress.
“The Indian Ocean needs to have a mechanism for timely exchange of information, capacity building and technical assistance,” adding that the political environment will be more murky and peace will be impeded by any conflict in the region.
“Resources should be utilized for more enhance cross-border cooperation and sharing the knowledge and experience and best practice,” he further said adding that it is necessary to implement the takeaways of the conference for maritime security.
He said that that cooperation between public and private stakeholders in meeting the challenges of maritime security is also critical, will foster innovation and cater to create a common environment for maritime security.
Mr. Aziz said Pakistan has strategic stakes in peaceful navigation of cargoes in the Indian Ocean due to the Gwadar Port and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and is taking steps to ensure maritime security.
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Lastly, he thanked Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah to including him among those who believe in the “legacy of oceans and centrality of maritime worlds towards the march for peace,” he said.
He said that the government is fully committed for the development of the maritime sector, and achieving the objectives of the maritime conference.
President Azad Kashmir Masood Khan addressing the conference said the CPE has furthered the need to augment maritime security. He said all naval forces across the world have a pivotal role in maritime security.
