THE government has recently demonstrated considerable diplomatic and political engagement in efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the South Asian and Middle East region. While peace must always remain the ultimate objective, it is equally important for Pal(istan to recognise and prepare for the significant maritime business opportunities arising out of the ongoing geopolitical conflict in its neighbourhood.

As a shipping professional, I have been closely following developments involving the movements of oil tankers and other commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz. Several vessels have reportedly suffered damage while transiting the area outward, requiring emergency assistance, temporary repairs, cargo transfers and ultimately permanent repairs before returning to service. Such incidents create a substantial demand for marine services that neighbouring countries can provide.

The maritime industry surrounding the conniet zonefaces severalpressing requirements. For instance, damaged vessels require immediate towing and salvage support to bring them safely to ports of refuge. Once at a safe location, vessels often need temporary repairs, crew changes, repatriation arrangements, provisioning, bunkers, technical support and other urgent marine services.

Oil and other cargoes frequently need to be transferred to substitute vessels so that contractual delivery commitments can be fulfilled. All this presents opportunities for shipping companies, including the Pal(istan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), to charter additional tonnage and participate in these cargo movements.

Following emergency measures, damaged vessels require permanent repairs. This represents a major opportunity for Karachi Shipyard and the marine sector.

In my understanding, repair facilitiesin the immediate vicinity of the conflict area are already under significant pressure, with shipyards facing substantial bacl(logs and extended waiting times. This situation creates an opportunity for Pal(istan to positionitself as a regionalhubfor ship repairs, marine logistics, salvage support and maritime management services.

The potential economic benefits are considerable. Foreign exchange earnings could be generated not only through ship repairs, but also through towage, agency services, technical management, spare parts supply, crewing, logistics and cargo transhipment activities. Moreover, increased maritime activity would create employment opportunities for Pakistani seafarers,engineers,technicians and port service providers.

The question that troubles me is whether our government, maritime authorities and industry stakeholders are fully aware of the scale of this opportunity. Pakistan possesses the geographicaladvantage, maritime expertise, ports, workforce and industrial capacity required to participate meaningfully.

What appears to be lacl(ing here is a coordinated national strategy. The conflict does notlastforever,and opportunities of this nature do not remain available indefinitely. Pakistan should urgently establish a task force involving government agencies, port authorities, PNSC, Karachi Shipyard, ship managers, marine service providers and private investors to assess how the country can possibly capitalise on this emerging demand.

While the world focuses on the political and security dimensions of the crisis, Pal(istan must also consider its economic and maritime implications. With timely planning and decisive action, Pal(istan`s maritime industry could transform a regional challenge into a significant and effective source of foreign currency earnings.

Imran Muhammad Khan Glasgow, Scotland