National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organized an interactive webinar on an important and current topic: “China-Iran Emerging Maritime Cooperation and Opportunities for Pakistan”. Admiral Asif Sandila NI(M), former Chief of the Naval Staff graced the occasion as chief guest, whereas, eminent speakers such as Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry (Director General ISSI), Vice Admiral (Retd) Asaf Humayun (Former Vice Chief of Naval Staff), and Capt (Retd) Hassan Daud Butt (CEO Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade) shared their intellectual insights with the audience. Vice Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aleem HI(M), Director General, NIMA highlighted the trilateral maritime cooperation of Pakistan, China and Iran.

Commodore (Retd) Baber Bilal SI(M) set the stage about the China and Iran emerging maritime partnerships and its prospects for Pakistan. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry talked about genesis of China & Iran strategic partnerships and its opportunities for Pakistan. Vice Admiral (Retd) Asaf Humayun highlighted the linkage of Gawadar and Chabahar as sister ports, their challenges and opportunities and it impacts on Pakistan’s economy. Capt. Hassan Daud Butt elaborated the prospects of China, Iran and Pakistan partnerships in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chief Guest, Admiral Asif Sandila NI(M) applauded the efforts put in by NIMA for bringing together policy makers and academicians to highlight this strategic issue, its impact on the regional and global environment along with its prospects for Pakistan.  He also hoped that NIMA will continue its significant role for local and regional issues to create awareness and provide policy recommendations for consideration/implementation by various national authorities.