Pakistan has a coastline of 990 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 240,000 square kilometers with the provision of adding another 50,000 square kilometers under Article 76 of UN Conventions on Laws of Seas. The EEZ has the potential of enormous living and non living resources to supplement the economy of the nation. Geo-strategically Pakistan has a very important location and lies at the cross junction of Central Asia, Persian Gulf and East Asia and is confronted with multifaceted issues due to the volatile and unpredictable situation in the Indian Ocean region. Post Cold War and post 9/11 global politics have numerous implications and as a result novel maritime concerns have emerged for Pakistan.
Maritime Sector is the world’s largest sector and creator of jobs making it one of the most effective development drivers around national and international economics. Besides it is considered vital in the defense and economy of a nation. To obtain maximum benefit from sea and its resources, coastal states are aware of the advantages of the maritime research & development including exploration and utilization of maritime potential for their defense needs and economic progress. Moreover, global consciousness of the importance and the occurrence of unprecedented international challenges and events have triggered a fresh look at the opportunities and challenges to the maritime sector. The sector incorporates oceans and related industries, environment, food resources besides general safety & security at sea. Moreover, sustainable development of this important sector has been witnessed as a critical initiative and an effective tool in the war against poverty.
The Center thus has the role to act as a national resource towards integration and development of national maritime sector and policies with the goal to advance Pakistan’s national interests. |
