KARACHI: The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), organised a session focused on evolving geostrategic situation in the Indian Ocean.

According to a press release, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Maritime Affairs retired Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmad Rao was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he categorically rejected the impression that Pakistan Navy was part of the Red Sea coalition operating under the US Taskforce-153. “Pakistani naval ships are deployed under an independent national tasking i.e. Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) to give confidence to Pakistani bound shipping,” he added.

He also outlined the government’s latest initiatives in promoting maritime sector of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024