‘Pakistan Navy meeting Indian Ocean security challenges’

Paper presented by Rear Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Saddique at Galle Dialogue - 2011:

Pakistan being an important player and stakeholder will continue to contribute effectively and play its due role in promoting peace and stability in Indian Ocean, states R Adm Khan Hasham Bin Saddique of Pakistan Navy during the Galle Dialogue. While appreciating the conduct of forum he thanked the Sri Lanka government especially Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Commander of Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral D. W. S. Dissanayake for inviting Pakistan Navy to attend this important gathering of maritime experts.

Following is the text:

Continued from yesterday

However, if the problems of holistic security are enormous but so are the opportunities. In addressing the question of how these opportunities may best be maximized, the most appropriate mechanism is ‘Constructive-engagement’ to counter the individual and collective challenges that we face today. ‘Constructive-engagement’ by regional and extra-regional navies enables sharing of operational and doctrinal expertise, generation of interoperability and the enhancement of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Coupled with this, progressive capacity building of the littoral states can transform their security-related fragility into self-sufficiency. No one should aspire nor be allowed to dominate the sea and any competition between may not transgress into confrontation.

As is the case with most countries more than 95 percent of Pakistan’s trade is sea borne and major requirement of POL imports comes from the Gulf. Continuous flow of energy resources through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for sustenance of economy and wellbeing. Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is 240, 000 Sq Km, with continental shelf extending a further 50, 000 Sq Km. The area is rich in fishery, possibly hydrocarbons and seabed resources and Pakistan aspires to exploit the EEZ for socio-economic development of populace. It is therefore, in Pakistan’s interest to see that the environment at sea is secure and stable to pursue legitimate interests unimpeded.

Maritime infrastructure

Additionally, Pakistan is also pursuing development of maritime infrastructure especially along the arid Makran coast. Gwadar is a major commercial undertaking to become trans-shipment port of some reckoning in not too distant a future. The emerging maritime scenario in Indian Ocean thus necessitates a more dynamic role for Pakistan.

At international level, enhancing maritime security of the region through participation in the efforts against terrorism and contributing towards stability and peace in the area, especially of SLOCs in the North Arabian Sea, are the focus of our continuous attention.

Stability in this region is also essential for securing the vital energy supplies of the world which is a common interest of Pakistan and the international community. In this regard, sustained and concerted efforts of coalition forces and regional players are required to maintain security.

Cognisant of its international obligations Pakistan Navy (PN) joined the US led multi-national coalition Task Force-150, under the ambit of Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP). The mission of this TF is to work with regional navies through theatre security cooperation for countering extremism, terrorism and illegal activities at sea, in order to maintain maritime security and stability in AOR. So far, 39 PN ships with embarked helicopters, in rotation, have participated in CMCP. In addition, PN has also commanded TF-150 four times.

Anti-piracy operations

It may be mentioned here that Pakistan Navy’s proactive engagement with the international coalition has made it possible to effectively monitor and control drugs and arms smuggling in the North Arabian Sea. PN ships in conjunction with the coalition forces have been successful in deterring and denying the use of sea to potential terrorists. Due to aggressive deployment of Pakistan Navy units in collaboration with other coalition partners in TF-150, there has been no act of maritime terrorism in our region, in the recent past.

In addition to TF-150, upon adoption of a resolution by UNSC to combat piracy in area off HOA and Somali coast, PN also joined US led multi-national Task Force-151. So far 11 PN ships with embarked helos have participated in anti-piracy operations under the ambit of TF-151. PN has also commanded this Task Force from Nov. last year to March this year and is presently commanding this Task Force for the second time. To curb the growing threat of piracy around our EEZ, PN has initiated a number of measures to pre-empt any act of piracy.

A counter piracy patrol has been instituted in this regard. Pakistan and the Navy played a key role in release and rescue of MV SUEZ and its crew from Somali pirates. It may be mentioned the crew not only included Pakistanis but also Indians and Egyptians as well. In addition PN is also playing a lead role in strengthening the maritime and coastal security around our shores to check illegal activates by nefarious elements. Besides, efforts are in hand to coordinate and synergise actions against such activities through improving information sharing and coordination mechanism by host of agencies involved in the maritime domain.

Peace and stability

Besides participation in international coalitions, PN has also taken other initiatives for collaborative maritime security. In this regard multilateral exercises AMAN is being held biennially since 2007. AMAN Exercise is a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment towards peace and stability through harmony and collaborative maritime security between navies of East and West. These exercises have been well received and deeply appreciated by the participating countries. The third Exercise of the series AMAN 11 was held in March this year in which 28 regional and extra regional navies participated.

In the context of environmental protection measures, Pakistan Navy is the lead agency in combating all types of marine disasters at sea. A National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan (NMDCP), prepared by Pakistan Navy, was promulgated by the government in 2008, wherein the organization and actions required in case of marine disasters encompassing all national stakeholders have been articulated. Exercises have also been conducted in this regard to practice actions by various agencies and to improve our efficiency against such disasters in future.

In addition, whenever required, Pakistan Navy has also actively contributed in disaster relief operations both inland and abroad. To mention a few, PN ships and helicopters contributed significantly in rescue and relief efforts at Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia during and after the Tsunami in 2005 and during worst floods in the history of Pakistan last 2010. Even during the current year PN has been active in relief efforts in coastal areas of Sind Province.

Political process

The way ahead to address various challenges to regional maritime security is formulation of Collaborative Maritime Security Apparatus. However, a pre-requisite to make any pragmatic headway in this regard will be to resolve contentious issues and disagreements between the regional states through dialogue and political process. Such an approach could facilitate confidence building and trust between the regional countries, leading to furtherance of cooperation in combating maritime crime and enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). He stated that Pakistan is a peace loving country that believes in promotion of peace and stability in the region.

The contemporary era is characterized by interdependence and the need to work collectively for peace and stability. In line with our national policies, I feel that Pakistan Navy has an important role to play in ensuring regional maritime security and stability. Due to its historic ties with most regional navies as well as socio-cultural affinity, Pakistan enjoys a unique position in the region.

Pakistan provided crucial and meaningful support to the leading Gulf Navies in their formative years, thereby laying a solid foundation for mutual naval collaboration. Consequently there is excellent working relationship between PN and almost all other navies. Pakistan Navy’s active participation in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan, antipiracy op erations off Somalia and holding of multilateral exercise AMAN biennially is a clear manifestation of our resolve towards peace and stability through collaborative maritime security arrangements. Pakistan and Pakistan Navy will remain committed, in accordance with our national policies, to play due role in the maritime domain and will continue to contribute significantly to regional maritime security.

Concluded