Forces capable of tackling any challenge, says Mamnoon

lahore — President Mamnoon Hussain said on Monday that armed forces were capable of tackling any type of challenge.

He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the 15-day Maritime workshop on ‘Safe Sea and Prosperous Pakistan’ here at the Navy War College.

He said that utilisation of sea resources would not only strengthen economy but also help protect sea routes.

He said, “Maritime workshop has great importance with regard to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the future of the region”.

The president said that Allah Almighty has blessed the country with countless resources and sea was one of those and he hoped that the country’s sea resources would be a great source of development.

He said that seas had always played a vital role in economic situation but at present their importance had increased manifold.

Mamnoon said that keeping in view the realities of the future, it was important to determine priorities of the sector with the help of substantial study and comprehensive planning.

He said that set priorities would help Pakistan in getting more benefits when international trade and naval routes would pass through the waters of Pakistan.

“In order to utilise the naval resources effectively, proper strategy should be in mind as this matter was not confined to land and sea transportation.

“When the economic corridor would become operational, we need to pay attention to other important departments which include ship yard, ship manufacturing industry, engineering sectors, fishing, transshipment, ports and many others.”

Mamnoon said that it was important to ensure progress of the above mentioned departments keeping in view the stability of national economy and protection of sea boundaries.