PN always alert against nefarious designs: Alvi

President Arif Alvi says the world acknowledges efforts of Pakistan’s security forces against terrorism

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan Navy always remains alert against nefarious designs of the enemy.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Second Maritime Security Workshop at Pakistan Navy War College on Thursday, he said the entire world acknowledged the success of Pakistan’s security forces in the war against terrorism.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Commandant of Pakistan Navy War College Rear Admiral Naveed Ahmed Rizvi, Senator Mohammad Ali Khan Saif and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The president said the leadership of Turkey and Saudi Arabia acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistani armed forces.                He highlighted that the Indian Ocean was a sensitive area in the region and its security was important for trade, economy and overall development in the country.

He said the Pakistan Navy has the potential to tackle any security threat in the country's waters.

The president said importance of maritime security had increased after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project under the One Belt, One Road programme, which requires security of Gwadar for future trade.



Emphasising the significance of Blue Economy and maritime security, he said the focus on maritime sector was not a matter of choice rather a compulsion for Pakistan's economic prosperity.

He lauded that Pakistan Navy was fully capable of defending maritime frontiers and national maritime interests of the motherland.

The president also appreciated institutionalisation of the National Maritime Security Workshop as a well-timed initiative by Pakistan Navy. "It provides an insight and a good grasp over what tremendous potential maritime sector holds and the extraordinary role of Pakistan Navy to spearhead various initiatives to tap these resources for the country's economic prosperity", he added.

With regard to the newly launched Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan (MDP), the president said it would be a trendsetter which would go a long way in laying the foundation for promotion of maritime sector for present and coming generations.

"The document is an effort to lay foundation for a greater understanding and awareness on matters related to oceans and undertaking of multiple peace and war time roles by Pakistan Navy," he said. He said the document of National Maritime Policy was with the cabinet division and would be presented before the National Assembly for approval.

He said that fisheries sector had an important role in the modern Blue Economy, but this sector was ignored in the past, adding that Pakistan was not getting proper advantage of fish exports.

PN War College Commandant Rear Admiral Rizvi highlighted significance of the Maritime Security Workshop 2018 (MARSEW-18). He said this initiative provided a forum for a better understanding of maritime affairs and associated matters by the legislative bodies, bureaucracy, academia and private sector of the country.

The participants of MARSEW-18 were awarded certificates by the president. Later, President Alvi laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada at Pakistan Navy War College.

(With additional input from APP)