ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the need of a sound maritime strategy to be able to exploit its maritime resources and be counted as a true maritime nation. Gwadar Port has the potential, if driven with wisdom and foresight, to put the country on the right path.

This has been stated by Dr Azhar Ahmed, the head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University Islamabad, in his book Gwadar: Balance in Transition, which was launched at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Tuesday.

The book is an in-depth study of the multidimensional aspects of Gwadar Port and contextualizes the evolving dynamics of the maritime affairs in the region.

Highlighting the importance of the geographical position of the country, Dr Azhar writes: “Pakistan lies strategically along the North Arabian Sea connecting five important regions i.e the densely populated consumer markets of South Asia, resources rich Central Asia vying for access to warm waters, strategically important Persia and Arabia and the energy hungry future super power and economic giant China.”

The 205-page book written in Chinese and English languages also supports the government’s decision to hand over the operation of the port to a Chinese company. In the concluding paragraph, the author remarks: “Gwadar Port, if handled with wisdom and dedication could contribute significantly in development and security of Balochistan and Pakistan.”

Speaking at the launching ceremony, former chief of the naval staff Admiral Asif Sandila said: “Chahbar and Gwadar will complement each other in times to come. If Pakistan plays its cards in its own interest, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will prove to be a game changer in real terms.”

ISSI Chairman retired ambassador Khalid Mahmood lauded the scholarly efforts of the author to contribute to the existing literature on Pakistan’s maritime sector, especially the neglected importance of Gwadar.

He said Gwadar was the key to future development of Pakistan. Though the port is being built primarily for trade and commerce, it also has a strategic importance.

Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmed said there was a need to evolve Pakistan’s maritime strategy in the transforming regional and global scenarios. He said given the author’s expertise on maritime affairs, the book helps understand the intricate dynamics of the maritime arena.

Admiral Farrokh Ahmed stressed the need to capitalise on the abundant maritime resources of the country.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema, the dean Faculty of Contemporary Studies at the National Defence University (NDU), appreciated the author’s perceptive analysis. He said the author actually highlighted the importance of maritime affairs while discussing the elements of powers.

Zhao Lijian, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy of China, appreciated the efforts of the author and also shared with the participants the details of various projects being executed under CPEC and the Chinese foreign aid and grant system in Gwadar and Balochistan.

The author of the book said he underscored the ignored elements of power and this was where the book becomes highly useful.

Referring to the operational affairs of the Gwadar Port, he said Chinese had been tested friends of Pakistan and they never let the country down.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2018