Guest Lecture
Maritime Potential of Pakistan
14 December 2023
Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a guest lecture titled “Maritime Potential of Pakistan” by Commodore Syed Muhammad Obaidullah (Retd), a distinguished defence and maritime analyst.
About The Event
The maritime landscape has long served as a conduit for nations to attain economic prosperity, strategic influence, and cultural exchanges. Geographically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman, Pakistan boasts a maritime legacy that dates back centuries. As the global community moves towards an era of maritime prominence, Pakistan’s potential stands as a beacon of opportunity and significance. Against this backdrop, the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, held a guest lecture titled “Maritime Potential of Pakistan” by Commodore Syed Muhammad Obaidullah (Retd), a seasoned defence and maritime analyst with a remarkable career. With a wealth of knowledge honed through years of experience and meticulous research, the speaker provided a comprehensive overview of the global maritime scenario, Pakistan’s standing in the field, and crucial steps for future development.
Key Takeaways
- Seaborne Trade Volume
With over 82 million tons per annum of seaborne trade, Pakistan possesses a vast opportunity to leverage its strategic geographical locations and extensive coastline for increased maritime commerce. - Assured Cargo Volume
The assurance of carrying 25 million tons of essential cargoes, including Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), provides a reliable and steady source of maritime activity, as well as a consistent flow of revenue. - Transportation Cost in Pakistani Rupees
The ability to conduct maritime trade with transportation costs denominated in Pakistani Rupees offers a competitive advantage. This can result in cost savings for businesses involved in shipping and trade. - Employment of Pakistani Seafarers
Extending maritime activities could generate employment opportunities for Pakistani seafarers. This would not only address unemployment concerns but also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the maritime sector. The engagement of Pakistani seafarers in international maritime activities could also facilitate the earning of foreign exchange which is vital for stabilising Pakistan’s balance of payment and strengthening overall economic resilience.
Policy Considerations
- Government actions
The speaker urged the government to implement better and more effective governance over the fishing industry. Reducing the number of fishing boats from 23,000 to 13,000 was proposed as a measure to control overfishing and promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, Commodore Obaidullah called for stricter control over Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing (IUUF) practices to preserve marine resources and maintain ecological balance. - Role of Politicians
The speaker called for the politicians to formulate a strategic maritime vision and devise a comprehensive Maritime Action Plan spanning over five years. This involves integrating maritime goals into national development strategies. Commodore Obaidullah recommended adding a dedicated chapter in the manifestos of political parties, underscoring the need to foster political commitment to maritime development. - Private Investor, Education Sector, and Media Engagement
Private investors should channel investments into various maritime sectors, with a special focus on shipping and ferry services. This can significantly contribute to infrastructure development. Furthermore, universities and colleges should take a proactive approach by offering courses that raise awareness of the maritime sector. The speakers highlighted initiatives by institutions, such as BU and NIML, as commendable. Lastly, Media outlets, including both television channels and print media, were called upon to dedicate airtime and space for consistent awareness and promotion of the shipping industry in Pakistan. This should extend beyond isolated incidents to ascertain a sustained spotlight on the developments in the maritime sector.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.
Guest Speakers
Commodore Syed Muhammad Obaidullah (Retd)
Defence and Maritime Analyst
Commodore Syed Muhammad Obaidullah (Retd), is a seasoned defence and maritime analyst with a remarkable career.
Event Chair
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President CASS Lahore
Event Coordinator
Gp Capt Faisal Rehman
Director O&A CASS Lahore
Master of The Ceremony
Faiza Abid
Research Assistant
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
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