Pakistan is working to formulate a new maritime doctrine to tackle new emerging threats in the Indian Ocean Region and protect its shipping and commercial interests, according to a media report on Tuesday. The draft doctrine is being reviewed at different levels in the navy and government ahead of its adoption, Dawn newspaper said. Retired Commander Muhammad Azam Khan, the author of the doctrine, said the doctrine is aimed at developing coherence and uniformity of thought and action within Pakistan Navy and promoting cooperation with Army, Air Force, allied navies and coalition partners. Mr. Sandila said the two areas that required special attention in the debate on maritime doctrine were development of an assured second-strike capability and the increasing need for delving into cooperative mechanisms as a tool for crisis management. “The evolving strategic environment in the region requires Pakistan Navy to develop a balanced mix of capabilities to rise up to the challenge,” he said.

Source: The Hindu September 06, 2016 09:45 UTC