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The Connection To The Arabian Sea

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Hamza Khalid
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32 views4 pages

The Connection To The Arabian Sea

Uploaded by

Hamza Khalid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Connection to the Arabian Sea: A

Liability for Pakistan


Introduction
 Pakistan's geographic position on the Arabian Sea is often lauded as a strategic
advantage. However, a closer analysis reveals that this connection brings more challenges
than benefits, making it a potential liability.
 Key thesis: While the Arabian Sea facilitates trade and provides access to maritime
resources, it has also exposed Pakistan to economic vulnerabilities, environmental
degradation, security threats, and regional dependencies.

1. Economic Vulnerabilities
Dependency on Port Infrastructure

 Karachi and Gwadar ports are critical to Pakistan's trade, handling over 90% of total
maritime trade.
 Any disruption, like the recent global supply chain crises or port strikes, heavily impacts
the economy.
o Example: Karachi Port has faced frequent congestion, delaying exports and
imports.
 High Maintenance Costs: Ports and shipping infrastructure demand heavy investment,
yet Pakistan struggles with limited fiscal capacity.

The Diplomat

DW News

 .

Overreliance on Trade Routes

 The Arabian Sea connects Pakistan to the global market, but dependency on maritime
trade exposes the country to volatility in global trade prices and geopolitical
blockades.
o Example: The Suez Canal blockage in 2021 showcased the fragility of sea trade,
with ripple effects globally.
2. Security Concerns
Maritime Security Challenges

 Pakistan's coast is vulnerable to piracy, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.


o Example: Piracy incidents near the Gulf of Oman occasionally disrupt regional
shipping.
 The Indian Ocean's militarization makes the Arabian Sea a potential flashpoint,
heightening tensions with India.

Exploitation by Foreign Powers

 China's presence in Gwadar under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)


project has been criticized as neo-colonialism, with Pakistan losing control over its
strategic assets.
o Example: Pakistan receives only a small percentage of revenue from Gwadar Port,
raising concerns about sovereignty.
 DW News

 South Asian Voices
o

3. Environmental and Social Costs


Marine Pollution

 Industrial waste and oil spills near Karachi have severely degraded marine ecosystems.
o Example: The 2003 Tasman Spirit oil spill polluted the Arabian Sea, causing
long-term environmental damage.
 Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels and frequent cyclones endanger coastal
communities and infrastructure.

Neglect of Local Communities

 Gwadar's development has marginalized local Baloch populations, leading to discontent


and insurgency.
o Example: Protests in Gwadar against resource exploitation and lack of economic
benefits for locals.
o South Asian Voices
4. Geopolitical Dependencies and Regional Tensions
Strain in Regional Relations

 Pakistan's proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a global oil chokepoint, places it in the
crossfire of tensions between Gulf countries and global powers.
o Example: U.S.-Iran tensions have previously destabilized the region, indirectly
impacting Pakistan's maritime trade.

Vulnerability to Blockades

 The Indian Navy's strategic location allows it to easily block Pakistan's maritime trade
routes during conflicts.
o Example: In the 1971 Indo-Pak war, India successfully blockaded Karachi,
crippling Pakistan’s economy.
 The Diplomat

 DW News
o

Rebuttal Against Opposition


Claim: "The Arabian Sea provides Pakistan with significant trade
opportunities."

 Counter: While the Arabian Sea facilitates trade, Pakistan’s maritime trade is far less
competitive compared to global standards due to outdated infrastructure and high
logistical costs.

Claim: "Gwadar Port is a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy."

 Counter: Gwadar has not yielded the promised economic benefits. Instead, it has
increased Pakistan’s debt under CPEC agreements, with China reaping the majority of
profits.

Claim: "Access to the Arabian Sea boosts Pakistan's strategic position."

 Counter: Strategic location brings not just advantages but also vulnerabilities. Regional
tensions and militarization of the Indian Ocean have made Pakistan more susceptible to
external threats.

Claim: "Maritime resources contribute to Pakistan's economy."


 Counter: Pakistan’s fisheries and marine industries face severe mismanagement,
overfishing, and environmental degradation, limiting their economic potential.

Conclusion
 The Arabian Sea, while theoretically an asset, has become a liability for Pakistan due to
economic, security, environmental, and geopolitical challenges.
 For Pakistan to leverage its maritime connection effectively, it must address these
vulnerabilities through sustainable policies, improved infrastructure, and enhanced
security measures.

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