A joint survey supported by China and commissioned by Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff has discovered large reserves of gas deep beneath the sea, a senior ex-naval officer.
The revelation was made by Rear Admiral (retd) Fawad Amin Baig on Pakistan Navy Day, which is marked on September 8 to honor the heroics of the country’s naval forces.
Fawad Amin Baig said that the country’s waters are rich in minerals and home to a treasure trove of marine resources that could significantly improve the economic outlook if tapped wisely. He emphasized that the Pakistan Navy played a central role in exploring these resources and that a detailed survey conducted with Chinese assistance confirmed significant gas deposits on Pakistan’s seabed.
Rear Admiral Baig stressed that the next step is to attract investors, stating that with the right funding and technology, this hidden wealth could be utilized for the country’s development. He also acknowledged potential challenges, noting that “whenever Pakistan moves towards progress, hostile fifth-generation warfare tactics drive investors away.”
However, he expressed optimism that with the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the combined efforts of military and political leadership, a new defense strategy is in place to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
According to a joint statement issued last year, China and Pakistan are working to boost mining cooperation and implement a pact on strengthening mining development. China plans to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in areas like marine oil and gas resources and will encourage its firms to participate in developing offshore oil and gas blocks in Pakistan.
