P R I Policy Research Institute I IPRI Scholars’ External Publications Institutional Visit: Maritime Study Forum Khalid Chandio IPRI UPDATE Research Fellow On 7 August 2019, the “Protracting US-Iran Standoff” August 2019 Vol. 7 No. 8 Daily Times Islamabad Policy Research Institute hosted parti- Muhammad Nawaz Khan cipants of the Maritime Media Workshop: Institutional Visit: Research Summer School - a five-day Strategic Importance of Maritime Affairs for Maritime Study Forum 4 “New Trajectory” course initiated by the and the Role of Media 1 Daily Times Maritime Study Forum Inside this Issue Guest Lecture: IPRI Scholars’ External Khurram Abbas ( M S F ) f o r s t u d e n t s , Improving Pakistan-US Relations: Ways and Publications 4 Research Officer academicians and young Means “Think Globally and Act Locally” policymakers from across 3 The Nation the country. The participants gave presentations as part of a simulation “BJP’s Castle in the Air” Express Tribune aimed at holistically analysing Pakistan’s maritime industry and offering Media Workshop: “The Politics of Seizing Oil Tankers” policy guidelines to help develop it. President of IPRI Ambassador Vice Strategic Importance of Maritime Affairs for Pakistan and Express Tribune Admiral (R) Khan Hasham bin Saddique, President of MSF Dr Syed Mohammed Anwer and MSF Board Member Dr Aneel Salman set the stage the Role of Media Amna Ejaz Rafi for the presentations. Assistant Research Officer Renowned academician Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice “India, the Attention Seeker ” The interplay of power in the Indian Ocean is ne plus ultra Express Tribune that Maritime Affairs have overtaken land-based dynamics in Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, in his Inaugural the struggle for regional influence. Address, called for efficient use of ocean resources for Gulshan Bibi economic growth and improved livelihoods, especially of Assistant Research Officer The discussions outlined that the focus of geopolitics has transitioned from fishing communities and sustainable ocean ecosystems. “Prisoners of Paradise” Europe to the Asia Pacific region. Concurrently with this shift, maritime The Nation affairs have displaced land-based intergovernmental diplomacy. When 80 per cent of the global trade is carried via “Heaven Beyond the Golden Lotus” sea routes and aquaculture is the fastest growing Daily Times The interactive session highlighted the importance of shipping and food sector, Pakistan can harness this potential and Adeel Mukhtar aquaculture sectors for ensuring success of Pakistan's blue economic growth: move towards becoming a blue economy. Assistant Research Officer · The budget for maritime development needs to be increased. In the working session of the media workshop, Ambassador “Dose of Humility” · Private entities should be provided with a favourable environment for (R) Syed Khawar Ali, HI (M), Director General, Daily Times investment to encourage domestic shipbuilding and the utilisation of the “Kashmir 2.0 and Options for Pakistan shipyard which has been dormant for a significant period. Given National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Bahria University Daily Times its potential to boost domestic ship making, its upgradation to a On 28 August 2019, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute discussed contemporary maritime dynamics in the Indian organised its second Media Workshop of the year on Ocean Region (IOR) and Pakistan’s preparedness. He shared Waleed Yawer functioning shipyard can help Pakistan significantly develop the sector. Assistant Research Officer · The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s monopoly has resulted in Strategic Importance of Maritime Affairs for Pakistan and that seas are major lines of communication, and hence, “The Evolving Nature of US and British Leadership” decreased competition in the shipping industry. Allowing the private the Role of Media. The workshop, attended by students of nations must be able to subordinate their individual political Daily Times sector to invest will increase projects, enhance research and analysis and media communications, journalists and reporters from all agendas for the common good. Vice Admiral Ali pointed out raise industry standards for maritime development. major news and print agencies, concluded that achieving that, unfortunately, the sea had Usama Nizamani · Extensive research needs to be done about the possible limitations and sea-based deterrence, developing blue economy and become an arena for competition Consultant prospects of AI and smart shipping for improving efficiency, reliability creating maritime awareness through the media is vital between states, characterised by “Flood of Crisis: Beginning of a Long End” and safety. The Nation for Pakistan. naval build-ups and military “Realpolitik of Liberalism: Test of Liberal Europe” President of IPRI, Ambassador Vice Admiral (R) Khan competition to influence others. The Nation It was pointed out that the Indian Ocean (IO) is prone to conflicts given lack Hasham bin Saddique, in his Welcome Address, emphasised Strategic debate in modern of formal security mechanisms. Foreign major powers exercise their international politics is now Zeeshan Javed the importance of understanding maritime affairs for influence in the Ocean since it is home to various trade and energy routes. Consultant Pakistan and the role of media in creating sea awareness. He focused on maritime issues like the “The Conundrum of Afghanistan” Despite the volume of trade passing through IO, conflicts have not been said that it is imperative for nations to utilise their maritime US pivot to Asia and emergence of China as a naval power, he The Nation deterred effectively. Participants discussed how India’s claims over IO, resources for economic development which ultimately remarked. “India’s Self-sabotaging Designs for Regional Peace” disregarding all other littoral states, are misdirected and short-sighted. Daily Times fortifies defensive capabilities. Vice Admiral Saddique Epicentre of Indo-Pakistan nuclear rivalry is slowly remarked that Pakistan’s sea resources, if strategically, used drifting outward from the sub-continental

P R I I can provide seamless connectivity and commerce with the landmass into the Indian Ocean. Nuclearisation of Islamabad Policy Research Institute rest of the world, and strengthen the country’s economy. He Indian Ocean does not bode well for the peace and further said that Pakistan is gifted with a geostrategic Contact Information: stability of this vital region. position which offers opportunities to have a key role in Address: Fifth Floor, Evacuee Trust Complex, Sir Aga Khan Road, Dr Salma Malik from Quaid-i-Azam University gave a Sector F-5/1, Islamabad, Pakistan trade and oil routes across the Arabian Sea. presentation on ‘Pakistan’s Maritime Imperatives – Phone: +92 51 9211346-49; Fax: +92 51 9211350 Pakistan’s coastline needs to be developed if the [email protected]; [email protected] www.ipripak.org country wants to undergo an economic renaissance. Continued on p. 2 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Islamabad-Policy-Research- Institute Editor-in-Chief: Editor: Proofread by: Composer: https://twitter.com/IPRI_Pakistan IPRI Update Team Ambassador Vice Admiral (R) Sarah Siddiq Aneel Waleed Yawer Noreen Hameed Khan Hasham bin Saddique, HI(M) 2 3 Strategic Importance of Maritime Affairs for Pakistan and Guest Lecture: the Role of Media Improving Pakistan-US Relations: Ways and Means Every US security document over the past few years Pakistan’s navy cannot ignore India’s blue water Pakistan should not seek a identifies China as a major threat for the US, strategic relationship with followed by Russia, North Korea and Iran. Pakistan naval build-up, especially its nuclear weapons. It is the US. Instead, we should important to invest in the development of Pakistan’s aspire for a Working has historic relations with China that go as far sea-based nuclear weapons capable of providing Relationship, which is back as the 1950s. This is a solid, iron-clad strategic relationship which neither side should second-strike capability. cordial and dynamic, and does not curtail our allow anyone to undermine. Concluding the media workshop, Dr Azhar Ahmad, Head of sovereignty and national On the issue of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the US, Department, Humanities & Social Sciences, Bahria University interest. Ambassador Khokhar strongly held the view that while both stressed that media not only leaders ‘clicked’ and had chemistry, the US’ main interest influences perceptions, but also remains Afghanistan. He pointed out that India was also an influences decisions and policy- IPRI organised a Guest Lecture by Ambassador Riaz Khokhar on 21 August 2019. Ambassador Khokhar has important actor influencing Pak-US dynamics. The US making. Such an important tool Continued from p. 1 been Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka, New Delhi, Washington, D.C. expects India to be a partner in the containment of China. In should be used with caution and Awareness & Media’, and pointed out that with the and Beijing before becoming Foreign Secretary in 2002. The this regard, Pakistan’s overall endorsement of the Belt and prudence. In order to do this, the expansion of the Exclusive Economic Zone to 350 lecture on ‘Improving Pakistan-US Relations: Ways and Road Initiative may also be problematic for Washington. media needs to understand all nautical miles, effective investment in the EEZ can Means’ explored Pakistan’s relationship with the US, in light Western countries have a soft corner for Delhi. That is why aspects of the issues they cover. Sea easily double the size of Pakistan’s economy. Offering of the former’s ties with China and the latter’s with India. India is painted as a responsible nuclear power, he said. blindness is a global concern, one which the media in Pakistan an overview of coastal security challenges, Dr Malik The Ambassador also discussed Prime Minister Imran needs to highlight more, he concluded. opined that Pakistan is a destination and transit Khan’s meeting with US President Donald Trump and the country for both migrant smuggling and human situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). trafficking. In this regard, under Practical Recommendations In his Welcome Address to the eminent speaker, diplomats, Regional Maritime Security The workshop was followed by an interactive senior academics, students and media channels, President Patrol, is Q/A session between the media participants of IPRI Ambassador Vice Admiral operating against pirates and and speakers. The following practical Khan Hasham bin Saddique terrorism at many choke points recommendations were made: provided a brief historical overview around the Arabian Sea, Gulf of of Pak-US relations and said that • Given lack of understanding and coverage of despite multiple centres of power Aden, Gulf of Oman and Strait of maritime issues, Pakistani media needs to Hormuz, she shared. While emerging around the globe, the US be galvanized and trained to project the remains a preeminent power given Discussing the rising tensions in Indian giving her recommendations, maritime potential of the country. In this Occupied Kashmir, the Ambassador remarked Dr Malik strongly urged the media to focus more attention on its economic, technological and regard, universities should offer specialised military muscle. that mild US statements on Indian atrocities the resource-rich Sir Creek marshlands dispute between Maritime Journalism courses. were indicative of where their sympathies lie. Pakistan and India. Unfortunately, our relationship with the US has • Celebrating Maritime Day once a year is historically suffered due to lack of trust on both War is neither an option for India nor for Sir Creek has important security dimensions since it important, however, country-wide exposure sides and one word which best describes this Pakistan, both have nuclear capabilities. is linked to demarcation of the maritime boundary through travelling seminars and study tours relationship is transactional. We should engage with India but not beg between Pakistan and India in the Arabian Sea. for media personnel to various ports is vital. for dialogue. Vice Admiral Saddique highlighted the consultative role Discussing nuclearisation of Indian Ocean and concerns for • Media houses should allocate more airtime being played by Pakistan to facilitate the US in bringing a Future Dynamics Pakistan, Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal from Quaid-i-Azam to coastal communities and maritime issues peaceful solution in Afghanistan. He was of the view that University highlighted that deployment of the Arihant in the such as shipping, aquaculture, maritime · The US is a superpower and the only way both sides recognise that despite some policy divergences forward is to have sustained diplomatic Indian Ocean was alarming for assistance, disaster relief efforts and coastal and challenges to their bilateral ties, working together will dialogue, and to collaborate in areas where Pakistan because the vessel can conservation. accrue mutual benefits, whereas, antagonism will serve there is convergence such as trade, energy, remain underwater, virtually • Acknowledging remarkable maritime- neither party. transport, technology and education. undetected, for months at a time. related security work will deepen Ambassador Riaz Khokhar opined that neither side can Moreover, India's sea-based understanding about the capabilities of · While Washington realises that there is no easily brush this relationship aside in spite of President military solution to the Afghan tangle, Pakistan missiles have augmented the Pakistan’s naval forces. Naval/maritime PR Trump’s choice of hard words at times, and vacillating strike capability of the Indian offices, should therefore, become more does not have overwhelming influence over approach towards Pakistan. the Taliban nor over the ethnic mosaic of Navy. Dr Jaspal warned that the proactive in projecting the Navy’s work, Afghan tribes. It would not be in Pakistan's Indo-US strategic relationship such as AMAN exercises and celebrating He shared that Pakistan’s relationship with the US cannot be interest to give any guarantees or get involved had increased asymmetry in the balance of power between Naval heroes. analysed in isolation since the international order is in flux, with China rising phenomenally, Russia re-asserting itself, in the actual terms and conditions of a any India and Pakistan, and lowered the nuclear threshold and the Middle East in extreme turmoil. future political settlement agreement. between the two neighbours and in the IOR.