EXAMINING PN INITIATIVES SINCE 2002

Written by: Mominyar Khalid Butt,
In the changing geopolitical and geostrategic environment, securing maritime interests has become all the more important especially when nations’ economic security is tied to the security of sea lanes of communications (SLOCs). Pakistan, with its proximity to strategic choke points and location at the most nuclearized ocean of the world transiting 80 percent of sea borne trade in oil, carries immense responsibility to ensure a peaceful environment in Indian Ocean Region,(IOR). Consequently, the role of Pakistan Navy becomes important and must be 9Wined in order to ward off sea blindness.
Being fully aware of the threats and challenges emanating from the IOR, Pakistan Navy has been actively contributing towards regional maritime security through various maritime exercises for demonstrating combat readiness, fostering joint maritime cooperation and improve inter-operability among regional and extra-regional navies. AMAN is one such exercise being organized biennially since 2007. What makes it unique and effective is the participation ‘of regional and extra-regional navies to signify unity and collective resolve to fight he common threat emanating from the sea, thereby, creating a doctrinal synergy among navies to tackle maritime security challenges together.
Similarly, Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) launched in 2018, is another initiative of Pakistan Navy aimed at promoting region-centric approach of maritime security by limiting dependence on extra regional powers for maritime patrolling in IOR so that economic and scientific activities at sea continue unhindered. It shows the utmost resolve of Pakistan Navy to ensure freedom of the seas and has therefore, earned itself a place among responsible, active and robust navies of the region.
In addition to that, Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Centre (JMICC) was launched by Pakistan Navy in 2013 in view of increasing threats emanating from the sea. By harmonising the efforts of all maritime-related agencies and organisations, JMICC aims to generate a coordinated and timely response to maritime security challenges within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan, thus, ensuring security of maritime environment.
Apart from actively contributing towards regional maritime security, Pakistan Navy has also invested in creating a vigorous security apparatus for the protection of vital coastal installations in the wake of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Coastal Security and Harbour Defence Force and Task Force-88 (TF-88) are worth mentioning here. Comprising of ships, coastal security stations, fast attack aircrafts, drones, surveillance assets, Pakistan Fleet and Pak Marines altogether, both the forces act as force multiplier for the security of CPEC against traditional and non-traditional threats.
In addition to fulfilling the primary responsibility of seaward defence, Pakistan Navy is leading the way in projecting maritime awareness and promoting blue economy. National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) established in 2006 under the aegis of Bahria University is helping to achieve the aforementioned objectives. In this regard, International Maritime Conference (IMC) being organised biennially since 2007 under the auspices of NIMA and in tandem with AMAN Exercise is worth mentioning here. The Conference with various themes ranging from blue economy to maritime security renders quality input to the policymakers and broadens the horizon of academic research on maritime affairs. Besides this, to augment maritime research, National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) was established in 2007 to become a seat of maritime policy research by engaging scholars and researchers to provide solutions to the challenges in maritime domain.
Similarly, Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW) conducted annually under the auspices of Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore is ar9ftortant step in this regard. What makes it unique is that dignitaries from different walks of life ranging from parliamentarians to academia are invited to attend this two-week workshop consisting of on-campus academic activities and a visit to Navy installations in the South. It is pertinent to mention that on the occasion of MARSEW-18, the first ever Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan (MDP) was launched for better understanding of maritime affairs. Similarly, MARSEW-19 marked the watershed moment for projecting maritime awareness when Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) the first of its kind, was established in PN War College in December 2019 with the aim to promote maritime research studied devise national maritime narrative. Last but not least, projects such as Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP) in Karachi speak volumes about the firm commitment of Pakistan Navy towards blue economy and maritime awareness.
Being a custodian maritime security and blue economy, Pakistan Navy has remained at the forefront in building up its capacity and potential as per the changing needs and geostrategic realities. From demonstrating combat readiness to enduring maneuverability at sea to maritime patrolling in IOR to showcasing the potential of blue economy, Pakistan Navy has earned itself a place among the responsible, vigilant d robust navies of the region, thereby, promoting a peaceful image of Pakistan.