The Pakistan Navy has officially inaugurated a major national forum aimed at shaping the country's maritime future. The 8th iteration of the Maritime Security Workshop, known as MARSEW-8, kicked off on Tuesday at the prestigious Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore.
Inauguration and Strategic Vision
The workshop was formally opened by Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, the Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College. In his keynote address, the senior naval officer highlighted the critical need for Pakistan to fully leverage its maritime potential in today's rapidly changing global environment.
He pointed out that since its launch in 2017, the MARSEW initiative has grown into a leading national platform for sharing expertise. It consistently advocates for a unified, nationwide strategy to bolster the maritime domain and advance Pakistan's blue economy.
A Platform for National Collaboration
Organized under the guiding hand of the Pakistan Navy, MARSEW-8 has a clear two-fold mission: to deepen the strategic grasp of modern maritime security challenges and to boost national consciousness about the vast opportunities within the blue economy.
This unique assembly creates a bridge between diverse sectors of society. It brings together:
- Parliamentarians and government policymakers
- Senior officials from both civil and military institutions
- Academics and researchers
- Media representatives
- Entrepreneurs and business leaders
The goal is to foster inclusive dialogue, encourage cross-sector partnerships, and brainstorm innovative policy solutions for sustainable ocean governance.
Workshop Agenda and Key Themes
The comprehensive workshop is scheduled to run from December 2 to December 12, 2025. The program will start with interactive sessions and discussions in Lahore. Subsequently, participants will embark on field visits to gain firsthand experience.
The itinerary includes trips to major Pakistan Navy installations in Karachi and the Coastal and Creeks areas. Delegates will also visit the Naval Headquarters, the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) in Islamabad.
Over its duration, MARSEW-8 will delve into several vital themes essential for national development:
- Enhancing maritime domain awareness
- Strategies for coastal development
- Security of marine resources
- Protection of critical undersea infrastructure
- Implications of international maritime law
- The role of the maritime sector in strengthening national resilience
This workshop represents a significant step in consolidating national efforts to secure Pakistan's maritime interests and harness the economic potential of its seas.
