LAHORE: Pakistan with its long coastline cannot realise its economic potential without the active support and help of a strong navy, said Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal here on Tuesday.
Addressing a seminar titled ‘China Pakistan Economic Corridor & Emerging Maritime Security Challenges’ at Pakistan Navy War College, the Minister said Pakistan Navy was playing a very important role in protecting country’s maritime interests.
Ahsan Iqbal, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the importance of CPEC and termed it a game-changer for the country.
He said that with Gwadar Port coming up fast, Pakistan and particularly Balochistan province would see a wave of economic prosperity in near future.
He shed light on the security challenges being posed to the mega project and reaffirmed the resolve of the government, defence forces and the people of Pakistan in countering them.
He lauded the efforts of PN War College for holding seminar on such an important subject of national stature.
Earlier in his welcome address, Rear Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi said that the aim of the seminar was to acquaint the cross-section of the country’s polity with the tasks and responsibilities of Pakistan Navy and the manner in which CPEC is likely to influence these.
He asserted that PN stands firmly as the defender of national maritime interests and security of the port of Gwadar, the pivot of CPEC.
A large number of Naval officers, faculty and students of Civil Services Academy, FC College, Kinnaird College and Bahria University attended the seminar.
Research scholars including Masood Khan, Siddiq-ur-Rehman Rana, Vice Admiral (Retd) Asaf Humayun, Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat presented their papers. Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmad Tasnim moderated the seminar.
