ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to international peace, regional stability, and adherence to international norms on maritime diplomacy.
Speaking at the soft launch of the second edition of the International Maritime Expo and Conference in Islamabad, PM Sharid emphasised that the role of the blue economy could not be brushed aside in Pakistan’s development journey.
He said the country’s future lies in tapping the full potential of its maritime sector.
The Prime Minister called the upcoming conference a promising step towards economic progress, adding that the Pakistan Navy stands as a pillar of national defence.
“Pakistan navy has always stood as a pillar of strength in our national defence architecture, whether it was the legendary operation Dwarka of 1965 or a state of preparedness during the recent Indian misadventure, the Pakistan Navy has never failed to demonstrate the resolve, professionalism, and precision,” he said.
The premier said Pakistan remains committed to international peace, regional stability, and adherence to international norms that continue to guide our maritime diplomacy.
Referring to a recent multinational naval exercise, he said, “Participation of over 60 countries is a sign that Pakistan’s resolve is rock solid.”
“With over 1000 kilometres of coastline, three major ports, and a strategic location at the crossroads of global maritime routes, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to harness the full potential of its maritime domain,” the PM noted.
The premier added that the global blue economy is valued in trillions of dollars, and for Pakistan, tapping even a fraction of that potential could be a real game changer for our national development and regional connectivity.
“The blue economy is the next frontier of Pakistan’s economic resurgence with the power to generate wealth, drive trade, stimulate inclusive sustainable growth, and transform coastal livelihoods,” he said.
“Let there be a healthy competition between Pakistani shipping companies and foreign shipping lines,” he added.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also addressed the ceremony, saying that the Blue Economy and conferences like this one are key drivers of trade and investment.
“We are laying the groundwork for stronger international economic ties,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Maritime Affairs and Policy Research), Commodore Ahsen Ali Khan, highlighted that the importance of the Blue Economy had grown rapidly, and Pakistan, due to its location, must not miss the boat in this global race.
