ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says India has nuclearized the Indian Ocean and continues to induct advanced weapons systems and naval delivery platforms in pursuit of its hegemonic designs.
Addressing the International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Monday, he said the Indian Ocean offers promising potential for mutual cooperation and collaboration. But geo-strategic competition and the pursuit of military dominance by some States have gravely jeopardized that potential.
He said in the light of these developments, Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure its security and to maintain credible minimum deterrence.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and development of the Gwadar Port are game-changing projects that have further enhanced the geo-economic significance of Pakistan. The Gwadar Port has the potential to develop into a full-fledged regional hub and a trans-shipment port.
The Foreign Minister said the present government has enhanced focus on the development of maritime sector as a priority area. He said we have taken a number of initiatives to transform Pakistan’s ports into regional transshipment hubs, including by up-gradation of port infrastructure.
