RAWALPINDI, Friday, December 12, 2025 (WNP): The eighth edition of the Pakistan Navy’s Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEC-8) concluded on Friday at the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, bringing together national leaders, experts and stakeholders to deliberate on Pakistan’s maritime potential and emerging regional challenges. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.

In his keynote address, Chairman Gilani underscored the vast and largely untapped potential of Pakistan’s blue economy, stressing that the maritime domain holds the key to the country’s economic revival in the 21st century.

He highlighted the increasing strategic significance of oceans in global geopolitics and commended the Pakistan Navy for its central role in ensuring regional maritime security, protecting sea lines of communication, and safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.

He emphasized the need for Pakistan to strengthen its shipping industry, fisheries sector, and maritime infrastructure to boost economic growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and support sustainable livelihoods.

“A stronger maritime footprint is vital for Pakistan’s economic future,” he said.

Upon arrival, the Chairman Senate was received by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI(M), Chief of the Naval Staff, who later joined senior officers in briefing the distinguished guests on the workshop’s objectives and outcomes. The Commandant of PN War College gave an overview of the workshop’s sessions, which covered maritime governance, blue economy opportunities, technological advancements, and security challenges in the wider Indian Ocean Region.

The Maritime Security Workshop—an annual flagship initiative of the Pakistan Navy—brings together parliamentarians, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, officers of the armed forces, and media representatives. The interactive platform aims to build broader national awareness on maritime affairs and foster informed policy discourse on emerging regional maritime dynamics, including geo-economic shifts, climate vulnerabilities, and evolving naval strategies.

Participants praised the Pakistan Navy for consistently promoting maritime education and advocating a national vision that recognizes oceans as a pillar of Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.