The climate change is acting as a substance which is contributing to the fact of water shortage which in the coming years can lead to various problems because water is the most important living source of any entity. The political boundaries of countries can contribute towards utilizing the waters for strategic cooperation rather than conflict for survival in the world. The ecosystems can be deteriorated if not measures taken within time. The universe as we know has been in existence since the past 14 billion years and the earth for about 4.5 million years.
The human beings after existence occupied the land surface which was divided on the basis of conquest, war and some treaties. The industrialization process started no less than 200 years ago which resulted in the exploitation of the land resources. The oceans remained free from the nations for any operation to be conducted except for the part where the states had protected their sovereignty and exercised protection. The only processes that took place were shipping and fishing at that time in the oceans. An International Treaty came into knowledge 22 years ago which changed the whole situation. The sharing of oceans among all the states was devised into that treaty. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, due to overexploitation of fishing species of seven fishes are posed a threat for elimination. The developments are the courier the beginning of marine establishment. Thus this will involve the sea farming of fishes that are of interest, algae and marine animals on a larger scale. The reaping of pharmaceuticals, agriculture and cosmetics will add in exploitation of fossil fuels on a bigger ground level. Waves, currents, tides will be used to produce the hydro projects and solar energy.
Having these challenges at risk, there is a formulation of ‘Blue Diplomacy’ that services mankind and not the states that have a selfish nature. The stability of our planet depends on the five oceans i.e. Arctic, Indian, Atlantic, Southern and Pacific. For a reasonable and sustainable exploitation of the five oceans, the blue diplomacy comes into action. The entities that are to play a role in in this are the United Nations (UN), civil society, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and associations.
Coming towards Pakistan, it is situated in the continent of South Asia. Other countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan are land locked for which they access sea routes from their neighboring countries i.e. India and Pakistan.
Pakistan
Pakistan has a limited sea face which is about 1050 kilometers along the Makaran coast claiming over 240,000 square kilometers as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This provided Pakistan an opportunity to exploit the living and non-living resources for economic prospects. Pakistan has its own sea towards the South enhancing its marine borders. This coastal sector of Pakistan can work as a backbone for the economy.
The access of port given to Pakistan is an advantage for it to carry out large and heavy volumes of cargo in less time with an enhancement of its trade activities. The sea offers various opportunities for economic development that the government should take into consideration. Pakistan should proactively shed light on the port infrastructure, the fisheries sector to notify if there is some illegal fishing that is taking place, practices for sustainable development, controlling of the marine pollution, marine duties on international shipping that are being taken place.
The policy makers in China and Pakistan, have decided to act together to boost up the potential that was promised in the marine sector. For this purpose both the countries have launched the ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’ (CPEC).
CPEC
The CPEC was established between China and Pakistan on 22nd May 2013 i.e. 6 years ago. The CPEC is the lead initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinpings ‘One Belt, One Road’ project which seeks a trade route in the international waters with Europe, Middle East and Asian giant. This trade will help Pakistan to develop good trading businesses with other nations and better ties. On the other hand, China is gains a rapid access to the new markets for manufacturing.
The CPEC will boost the economy of Pakistan as there will be investment in the infrastructure, jobs will be available for human resources in order to increase the employment rate and an incentive for foreign investment. This opportunity can create a pathway for Pakistan to become an economically stable state.
None of the states planned to start an economic corridor in the Arabian Sea even if there were diplomatic and economic interests but China took the step and invested in Gwadar port because Pakistan has three ports i.e. Karachi, Gwadar and Bin Qasim. This route for China is much easier and short as it reduces about 7000km and goods and services are exported and imported at a shorter notice from Central Asia.
The projects of Chinese investments are a hand towards improving the economy of Pakistan. Many energy projects are under process and special economic zones are to make a source of development in KPK, GilgitBaltistan, Punjab, Baluchistan and Sindh China.
There are available 40,000 jobs available for Pakistanis and 80,000 jobs available for Chinese. This will rapidly enhance the infrastructure that is required in Pakistan and make the economy strong by constructing modern transport routes and energy projects. As a result of a positive improvement in living, enhancing of the standard of living will also benefit from it.
Pakistan Navy
Pakistan Navy has also deciding upon developing a marine tourism which can help Pakistan in order to boost its economy. The Navy has also intensely started working to attain a sustainable blue economy. A visit to Malaysia by Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi proposed to Malaysia that through joint venture both the countries can build a sustainable blue economy and make strong naval ties. The Naval Chief intended to develop a marine military to protect the maritime of Pakistan. This will reinforce the conserving and protecting the marine interests of the state via blue diplomacy alongside creating awareness for public, public-private, media to paint a picture in a comprehensive approach of national marine challenges and now to overcome these hurdles in order for development.
Role of Pakistan House
The Pakistan House has promised to dedicate its intellectual and the material resources to appreciate Pakistan for its journey towards Blue Diplomacy by continually supporting Pakistan Navy for its accomplishments and CPEC. The Navy is highly valued for preserving the oceans and for creating awareness among the different sectors in Pakistan and among the stakeholders.
The direction towards Blue Diplomacy for Pakistan will lead the country into a pathway which will benefit its economy. The energy projects that are under process will function as a key for the blue economy to grow. Blue diplomacy acts as seeders which in result enhances the outcome of blue economy. CPEC and Pakistan Navy has played a vital role for the economy to grow as the trade will take route from the ports, boosting the economy of Pakistan and making pathways for international and regional ties for trade.