KARACHI: Pakistan Navy Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini has stated that PN is defending its maritime borders most effectively. Addressing a seminar on ‘Pakistan – a country rich in maritime resources’ organised by Rabita Forum International, he said, “God has blessed us with immense oceanic resources. Fourteen hundred years ago the importance and benefits of oceans were mentioned in the Holy Quran. Today 90 percent of the international trade depends upon oceanic and sea routes. Our country’s business and trade is also transacted mainly through maritime means. We should utilise our oceans and seas for national economic benefits. Our resources are limited – nevertheless, we have ensured the security of our coastal areas. Our navy enjoys the respect of other nations because of its professionalism.” Vice Admiral Asif Humayon (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), Commodore (r.) Syed Obaidullah, Commander (r) Adil Rashid and the Rabita Forum International Chairman Nusrat Mirza also addressed the seminar. Executive Director of the forum Zafar Imam gave the welcome address. The seminar commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, after which Razi Alam thanked the distinguished guests, teachers and students and stated that the aim of the seminar is to acquaint the younger generation about the maritime boundaries and their importance for the motherland. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral (r) Asif Humayon said that the area of Pakistan’s maritime is about 2,090,000 square kilometres and this area has been blessed with immeasurable natural resources. “Now it is up to us as to how much benefit we gain from them. We must utilise the latest technology and techniques to achieve maximum progress in this field,” he remarked. Commodore (r) Syed Obaidullah expressed his view that Pakistan’s Navy is as good as any other navy of the world. “Nature has bestowed upon us excellent coastal areas. In fact, 48 countries of the world today are totally without a coastline! So, we must make optimum use of our natural advantage as best as we can,” he asserted. Former Port Qasim Authority director Commander (r) Adil Rashid informed the audience that 90 percent of international trade is transacted via oceans and seas. “We must gain maximum benefits from our rich, natural maritime resources,” he added. At the conclusion of the seminar, Rabita Forum International Chairman Nusrat Mirza said that the objective of this seminar was to inform the students about the country’s coastal boundaries and the resources available within the maritime borders. He said that he will request the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that articles about the maritime areas of the country should be part of the school syllabus. Nusrat Mirza thanked the teachers and the students and the honourable guests who attended the seminar and promised that the Rabita International Forum will organise further seminars on this subject in the future also.