ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has okayed the acquisition of an oceanographic research vessel for the development of maritime functional requirements of various ministries and agencies, and for the better use of marine resources.

The approval was given on Saturday at a meeting here, which was presided over by Mr Musharraf.

Federal Minister for Education, Science & Technology Prof Attaur Rahman, Secretary S&TR Division Shahzad Hasan Pervez and other high-level officials attended the meeting.

As a National Maritime Policy has already been approved, the vessel would cater to the requirements of various ministries and agencies, and also would help fulfilling national and international commitments under various conventions.

The president has directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to carry out a survey of the continental shelve of the country and to ensure that Pakistan’s claims for the extension of the shelve were filed before the UN convention on the Law of Sea under Article 76 well before the expiry of the deadline.

A presentation on the ‘Acquisition of Multi-Disciplinary Oceanographic Research Vessel’ was also made to the president on occasion by the Ministry of Science & Technology. Prof Ata highlighted the significance of the Extension of Economic Zone (EEZ) and the resource potential that would contribute towards the socio-economic growth and development. “There is a great need for the exploration and exploitation of the living and non-living resources. The vessel will contribute to fetch finances for the country”, he added.

The president also gave approval for the purchase of a special ship for the promotion of fisheries business, which would help exploit and explore deep-sea fish stock for tapping of unconventional marine resources.