PAKISTAN is the first country in the north Indian Ocean region whose case for extension of the continental shelf has been approved by the UN.

I congratulate all Pakistanis for the extension of continental shelf from 200NM to now 350NM. No doubt, there are so much efforts of Pakistan Navy, National Institute of Oceanography and Ministry of Science and Technology behind this success.

I also mention the feelings of obligation towards brotherly country of Oman for its cooperation. This is the first step of Pakistan’s marine life towards success.

I hope there will be more open chances of research scholars for research with new concepts of seabed animals and many other chances for livelihood for fishermen and other poor community of Pakistan as we have exclusive rights over the seabed and subsoil resources including oil and gas.

S. Aslam

Lahore

(2)

THE UN commission has accepted Pakistan’s claim of 50,000 sq km of continental shelf after about a 10-year effort by the Pakistan Navy and scientists concerned. It is a significant addition to the existing 240,000 sq km of exclusive economic zone under Pakistan’s jurisdiction.

Pakistan now enjoys exclusive rights over the seabed and subsoil resources of this additional area.

Surprisingly, such great news appeared on the last page of a newspaper as if of little significance. In comparison, the nation was kept busy in cricket which makes no difference to our prosperity, rather wastes productive man-hours.

Will some expert explain whether the nation should celebrate the addition of 50,000sqkm of continental shelf?

M. Akram Niazi

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2015

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