Islamabad( Khyber Mail): The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) recently convened an international hybrid seminar at its headquarters in Islamabad. Collaborating with esteemed partners—the Royal Malaysian Navy – Sea Power Centre (RMN-SPC), the Pakistan Embassy in France, the Centre for International Studies (CeSI) Italy, and the Institute of Regional Studies—NIMA brought together experts and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Key Highlights:
- Global Perspectives: The seminar aimed to deepen our understanding of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, exploring their regional and international significance. Renowned scholars shared insights on the challenges posed by these vast maritime expanses in the 21st century.
- Distinguished Guests: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed graced the event as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the seminar’s importance in shaping maritime discourse and policy.
- Virtual Honor: H.E. Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, joined as the Guest of Honor via Zoom, bridging geographical distances in the spirit of collaboration.
- Expert Perspectives:
- China’s Viewpoint: Ambassador Masood Khalid articulated China’s stance on emerging challenges in the Indian-Pacific region.
- European Insight: Rear Adm (Retd) Jean Mathieu Rey, Senior Research Fellow at FMES (France), presented the European perspective.
- Italy’s Strategic Analysis: Mr. Tiziano Marino, Head of the Asia Pacific Analysis Unit at CeSI (Italy), shared Italy’s insights.
- ASEAN’s Lens: Rear Admiral Dato Pahlawan Abd Halim bin Hj Shaari (RMN-SPC) offered the perspective of ASEAN countries.
- Pakistan’s Strategic Vision: Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah elaborated on Pakistan’s thought process.
- Summarizing Wisdom: President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Amb. Nadeem Riyaz, succinctly captured the seminar’s essence.
- India’s Maritime Behavior: In his concluding address, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted India’s actions in the Indian Ocean. The impounding of Pakistani-bound commercial cargo was characterized as a form of state-sponsored piracy—an assertion that resonated across the conference hall.
- Broad Participation: The seminar drew a diverse audience, including academia, professionals, diplomats, think tank representatives, subject matter specialists, government officials, faculty members, defense officers, and key maritime stakeholders. Their engagement reflected the seminar’s impact on regional security and cooperation.
As the waves of discussion settled, NIMA’s seminar left an indelible mark—a beacon guiding policymakers, strategists, and ocean enthusiasts toward a more secure and cooperative maritime future.