Pakistan’s Overseas Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi mentioned on Monday that any navy battle in South Asia might endanger stability in a area that’s essential for international commerce flows and safety.

Addressing the ninth Worldwide Maritime Convention (IMC 21) in Karachi, Mr Qureshi additionally mentioned that the Indian Ocean affords promising potential for mutual cooperation and collaboration.

“The worldwide neighborhood must be cognizant of the truth that any navy battle in South Asia might endanger stability in a area that’s essential for international commerce flows and safety,” he mentioned.

The overseas minister additionally alleged that India has nuclearised the Indian Ocean and was persevering with to induct superior weapons techniques and naval supply platforms.

“The Indian Ocean affords promising potential for mutual cooperation and collaboration however geo-strategic competitors and the pursuit of navy dominance by some States have gravely jeopardised that potential,” he mentioned.

Mr Qureshi mentioned Pakistan is a crucial stakeholder within the Indian Ocean safety framework, which incorporates counter-piracy in addition to human trafficking and narcotics smuggling.

“Within the gentle of those developments, Pakistan will proceed to take all crucial measures to make sure its safety and to keep up credible minimal deterrence,” he mentioned.

He mentioned the Pakistan Navy continued to keep up a sturdy safety posture alongside the coast and within the regional seas, to be able to forestall nefarious components from illicit actions within the maritime area.

He mentioned Pakistan recognised the significance of safeguarding the world’s oceans to advertise the prudent use of marine assets for socio-economic improvement, whereas making certain environmental sustainability.

“We’re able to cooperate and collaborate with different pleasant nations and companions world wide, to understand this objective for mutual good thing about the complete humanity,” he mentioned.

He mentioned Pakistan was an necessary maritime State with an over one thousand kilometer lengthy shoreline and its maritime zones had been richly endowed with residing and non-living assets.

Mr Qureshi mentioned the China-Pakistan Financial Hall (CPEC) and improvement of the Gwadar Port had been game-changing initiatives that may additional improve the geo-economic significance of Pakistan.

He mentioned the Gwadar Port has the potential to develop right into a full-fledged regional hub and a trans-shipment port.

The IMC 21 organised below the aegis of Pakistan Navy coincided with the seventh multinational naval train Aman-2021. It’s themed on ‘Growth of Blue Financial system below a Safe and Sustainable Atmosphere: A Shared Future for Western Indian Ocean Area’.