In an era of evolving maritime challenges, global collaboration and strategic partnerships are essential to ensuring security, stability, and sustainable economic growth at sea.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world, maritime space security has become a critical issue for global stability. For a long time, control of the seas has been synonymous with sea power, maritime commerce, and security. Today, the complexities of maritime security extend well beyond securing trade routes or deterring piracy; they also encompass environmental protection, the security of digital infrastructure, and broader disarmament and arms control agendas that underpin international security.
While the competition between specific nations is primarily perceptive in nature, there is definitely a need to work together in some domains, especially when stakes of other countries are involved. Maritime security is one such domain that affects the whole region and sometimes beyond the region. Although national interests are the primary objectives of a country, these must not override the need to ensure peace and stability in the region. For instance, the Indo-Pacific Strategy proposed by the U.S. and the Global Security Initiative initiated by China both emphasize freedom of navigation and the safety of shipping. While they share common goals, their approaches differ, occasionally leading to strategic divergences. Encouraging dialogue and cooperation among states could help align these efforts more effectively.
Another issue pertaining to maritime security is overlapping claims and conflicts in exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Given the meaning of "exclusive," it is commonplace that exclusive economic zones should not overlap. Therefore, the countries having overlapping claims must resolve the matter bilaterally according to the definition of EEZ. However, failing that, there are provisions in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that may be resorted to to resolve the issue. 

Maritime security is one such domain that affects the whole region and sometimes beyond the region. Although national interests are the primary objectives of a country, these must not override the need to ensure peace and stability in the region.

To prepare for the upcoming challenges at sea, the Pakistan Navy holds Exercise AMAN every two years, and its 9th edition was held in Karachi from February 7-11, 2025. It was a spectacular gathering of sixty navies from around the world, along with their delegates and seagoing platforms. More fascinating was the AMAN Dialogue that was included for the first time in this whole enterprise. The presence of seventeen chiefs of navies and heads of organizations was the epitome of intellect that AMAN Dialogue had brought. They shared their perspective on maritime security and respective strategies to counter challenges at sea. It was a unanimous conclusion that the only way to tackle challenges at sea was via collaboration and cooperation, thus confirming the standing motto of AMAN ‘Together for Peace.’
As we know, the seas are a common heritage of mankind. Even landlocked countries have the right to access the sea through neighboring states under UNCLOS. The challenges and opportunities at sea are, therefore, shared by all. No single country can address maritime challenges alone. Hence, a collaborative approach, guided by international law and diplomacy, is the most prudent way forward to ensure security and stability at sea.
The AMAN Dialogue provided an excellent platform to foster collaboration and cooperation in the maritime domain. The Pakistan Navy has consistently advocated for a cooperative strategy to address challenges at sea. Following the formation of the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan post-9/11, Pakistan was among the first and the only regional country to join the initiative. We remain active members of Task Forces 150 and 151, dedicated to combating sea-based terrorism and piracy, respectively.
To ensure freedom of navigation in our region, the Pakistan Navy's initiative—the Regional Maritime Security Plan—has been widely recognized by regional countries for delivering tangible outcomes.
Pakistan attaches great importance to the African continent, which constitutes one-third of the world's population. Additionally, the historical shift of economic and political power from the West to the Global South—of which China, Pakistan, and Africa are key components—is seen by Pakistan as a significant opportunity.
Pakistan’s engagement with Africa spans decades, particularly through its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping forces in the region. Pakistani peacekeepers have received global recognition for their services. The Pakistan Navy has also maintained regular visits to African countries, fostering strong naval ties. These visits not only facilitate interactions with senior naval authorities but also engage local communities through socioeconomic initiatives, such as the establishment of free medical camps, distribution of rations, and other humanitarian assistance.
Moreover, the Pakistan Navy has actively participated in humanitarian and disaster relief operations whenever required. One of the most valuable outcomes of these interactions is the enhanced interoperability between respective navies, enabling coordinated responses to emerging challenges in the African region. Pakistan Navy’s extensive experience in operating with international organizations and platforms is shared with African nations, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening maritime cooperation.
Pakistan's maritime connectivity with the African continent is highly beneficial for China in particular and the region in general. With the operationalization of Gwadar Port, there are promising prospects for China and the broader region to establish profitable economic ties with Africa.
However, public diplomacy between Pakistan and Africa remains limited and should be strengthened to complement existing engagements. There is a need to explore opportunities for maritime collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and interoperability through enhanced public diplomacy. This overlooked aspect warrants due consideration from both sides and should be leveraged to enhance collective capabilities in addressing shared challenges while unlocking benefits not only for Pakistan and Africa but also for the broader international community.

The writer is a Communication Strategist at the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad.
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