LAHORE: The eighth edition of the Pakistan Navy’s Maritime Security Workshop concluded on Friday at the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani attending as chief guest.

Addressing participants, Gilani highlighted the growing significance of oceans in the 21st century and underscored the need for Pakistan to fully harness its blue economy potential. He stressed the importance of regional maritime security and praised the Pakistan Navy’s role in protecting the country’s maritime frontiers.

He also appreciated the Navy’s efforts to raise national awareness about the economic and security importance of the maritime domain. Pointing to opportunities in the national maritime sector, he called for expanding the capacity of Pakistan’s shipping and fishing industries to support economic and socio-economic growth.

Earlier, Gilani was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on his arrival at the War College. In his welcome address, Commandant of the institution Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie briefed attendees on the workshop’s activities.

The Maritime Security Workshop, held annually by the Pakistan Navy, aims to enhance understanding of maritime security and the geopolitical dynamics of the wider Indian Ocean region. This year’s participants included parliamentarians, policymakers, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, armed forces officers and media representatives.