MARITIME WORKSHOP SPRING 2026

Held under the theme “Maritime Economic Potential of Pakistan”. The day was structured into two sessions. The Preliminary Session focused on the maritime economy and featured a comprehensive lecture by Cdr. Anees M. Khan (Retd.) from NIMA on global trends in maritime trade and Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry. This was followed by lectures from MCE faculty addressing maritime governance. The first session included discussions on the UNCLOS-based legal framework, maritime zones of Pakistan, port infrastructure, and the fisheries and aquaculture potential of Pakistan. Cdre Hassan Adil TI(M) from KS & EW shared insights on the challenges and prospects of Pakistan’s shipbuilding sector. MARITIME WORKSHOP SPRING 2026

Cdr Anees M. Khan (Retd.), Senior Research Associate NIMA

Conclusion of his speech is that Shipbreaking Industry has to aligns with the HKC 2009 & UNIMO/UNILO patronage are indispensable for compliance achievement. Pakistan must urgently address identified gaps and accelerate reforms to meet June 26, 2025 deadline. Strategic investment, capacity building programme, and infrastructure upgrades to transform ship recycling industry. Global Trends in Maritime Trade and Shipbreaking Industry of Pakistan- MARITIME WORKSHOP SPRING 2026

Cdre Muhammad Hassan Adil TI (M), GM KS & EW, Karachi

Conclusion of his speech is that Future of Pakistan lies in shipbuilding, and that future will be built, rivet by rivet, in our own shipyard. Capable to build ships and submarines to highest international standards under 3rd party certification as well as imparting training in technical trades Potential of Shhipbuilding Industry of Pakistan - MARITIME WORKSHOP SPRING 2026

R/Adm Shifaat Ali Khan HI(M), DCNS (O), DG-C4I

Delivered he Chief Guest’s remarks for Session-II, highlighting the critical role of emerging technologies, integrated defence ecosystems, & information dominance in shaping future battlespaces...!. Remarks set a clear strategic direction for the session & reinforced the importance of preparedness & innovation in contemporary security environments... SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Lt Gen Aamer Riaz (R) HI(M) Former President National Defence University (NDU)

Delivered the Keynote Address as Chief Guest of Session-I, offering deep strategic insights into the evolving character of modern warfare, the impact of emerging technologies, & the shifting dynamics of hybrid & indirect strategies.His address set a strong intellectual foundation for the session and stimulated critical discourse on future security challenges. SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Brig Dr. Zahir ul Haider Kazmi (R) SI(M), Arms Control Advisor, SPD

Delivered a talk on “Emerging Technologies: Trends in Cooperation, Competition and Prospects for Governance.” Session explored 'how rapid technological advancements are reshaping strategic interactions among states, highlighting patterns of cooperation & competition, alongside the growing need for effective governance & regulatory frameworks SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal

Delivered a talk on “Disruptive Technologies & the Future of Warfare.” Discussion focused on how 'Emerging & Disruptive Technologies are transforming the character of warfare, influencing military strategy, decision-making, and future conflict dynamics...! Talk concluded with deepening the discourse on evolving security challenges SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Thomas S. Wilkins, University of Sydney

Delivered insights on “Strategic Minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific: Technology, Power Projection and the Future of Warfare.” Discussion examined the rise of strategic minilateral frameworks, their design and durability, and how emerging technologies are reshaping power projection and security alignments in the Indo-Pacific. SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

R/Adm Shafquat Hussain Akhtar HI(M), Deputy President, NDU, Islamabad

Presented a talk on “Non-Contact Warfare in the Indian Ocean Region: Emerging Dynamics and Crisis Implications.” Session examined the evolving nature of non-contact warfare, highlighting the growing role of information dominance, cyber & electronic warfare, space, unmanned systems, & emerging technologies in shaping conflict dynamics within IOR. SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Dean, SISS, University of Lahore

Chair of Session delivered concluding remarks, synthesising key themes & takeaways from the session & underscoring the strategic implications of emerging technologies for future warfare...! Remarks provided a coherent closure to Session-I & set the stage for continued reflection & dialogue... SEMINAR- EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE OF WARFARE

Call for Papers- The Beacon Journal

The Beacon Journal is a peer-reviewed bi-annual research journal of the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) at Pakistan Navy War College (PNWC), Lahore and is recognised in Y-category by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC). Call for Papers
Our Top Research Articles

Published in 2025-2026

Conduct multi-disciplinary research focusing on Maritime Security & Blue Economy duly rendering input to policymakers for promoting maritime sector in-country and abroad while preparing naval leadership for contemporary maritime challenges

Comparative Maritime Regional Security Orders: Geopolitical Dynamics and Collaborative Frameworks in the Indo-Pacific and South Atlantic

Amina Munir

Perennial Threat of Terrorism in Pakistan Post 2021: Case Study of Newly Merged Districts (NMDS)

Cdre Ehsan Ahmed Khan

Assessing Force Comparison and Technological Limitations of Russian Military in Russia-Ukraine War

Mr. Ahmad Ibrahim

Tides of Transition: An Assessment of Evolving Non-Traditional Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region

Ms. Fizzah Shuja

Read More

Departments

GEOPOLITICAL STUDIES

NAVAL WARFARE STUDIES

HISTORY AND MARITIME LAW

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY

MCE Insights

Iran-US Conflict and Shifting Balance of Power in the Middle East

The Iran–US crisis extends beyond nuclear disputes and reflects a deeper regional power struggle shaped by shifting alliances, Israel’s security calculations, and US “maximum pressure” strategy. Israel seeks a weakened Iran, while Washington combines military deterrence with negotiations targeting Iran’s nuclear, missile, and proxy networks. Iran, constrained by sanctions, domestic unrest, and regional setbacks, shows willingness to negotiate on nuclear limits but refuses to compromise on missile capabilities. The crisis carries major regional and global risks—especially for Gulf stability, energy security, and countries like Pakistan—making diplomatic recalibration more viable than military escalation.

Risk of Escalation from Caracas to Hormuz

Author: Javaria Shaikh

Pakistan: A Middle Power in the Indian Ocean?

Author: Ehsan Ahmad Khan

Between Hedging and Balancing: Pakistan Foreign Policy Choices

Author: Basit Ali

Is Illegal Fishing the Climate Crime We Keep Ignoring

Author: Amna Hashami & Javaria Shaikh

Read More

22

Events Conducted

268

OpEds

46

Research Articles

28

Media

Our Courses

Executive Leadership Course

  • Two Weeks Course
  • For Officers

ELC would be two weeks course conducted annually aforded to PN officers, officers of sister services and civilians of rank of Cdre/ Capt equivalent as a preparatory course prior NSWC course.

Maritime Potential Course

  • Two Weeks Course
  • For fresh civilian graduates

It will aim at attracting fresh civilian graduates within the local academia introducing them to concepts like Maritime security, Blue economy and othe significant maritime issues.

Internship for University Students (IUS)

  • Two Months Program

The Internship for University Students (IUS) is a two-month stipend-based program designed for MS and MPhil students who have completed their coursework and are conducting research, preferably in the maritime domain.

Read more

THE MOSAIC

MCE MOSAIC is a compendium of up-to-date, quality research work done by Research Team on contemporary and latest developing issues around the globe.

Vol 02,No. 03,Sept 2025

Recent Activities

Maritime Workshop Spring-2026, Day-1
Held under the theme “Maritime Economic Potential of Pakistan”.
Maritime Workshop Spring-2026, Day-1
Cdre Ehsan Ahmed Khan shared insights.
Maritime Workshop Spring-2026, Day-1
Cdre Hassan Adil TI(M) from KS & EW shared insights on the challenges and prospects of Pakistan’s shipbuilding sector.
Maritime Workshop Spring-2026, Day-1
The Preliminary Session focused on the maritime economy and featured a comprehensive lecture by Cdr. Anees M. Khan (Retd.) from NIMA on global trends in maritime trade and Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry.
Chief Guest Remarks | Session-II R/Adm Shifaat Ali Khan HI(M)
highlighting the critical role of emerging technologies, integrated defence ecosystems, & information dominance in shaping future battlespaces
Session-II ! "Emerging Technologies, Defence Ecosystems & Future Battlespaces"
Session-II brings together leading experts from academia, industry, and defence to examine how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping defence ecosystems & redefining future battlespaces.
Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Dean, SISS, University of Lahore - Chair of Session
Concluding remarks, synthesising key themes & takeaways from the session & underscoring the strategic implications of emerging technologies for future warfare
Thomas S. Wilkins, University of Sydney
Delivered insights on “Strategic Minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific: Technology, Power Projection and the Future of Warfare
Brig Dr. Zahir ul Haider Kazmi (R) SI(M), Arms Control Advisor, SPD
A talk on “Emerging Technologies: Trends in Cooperation, Competition and Prospects for Governance.” Seminar- Emerging Technologies and future of Warfare
R/Adm Shafquat Hussain Akhtar HI(M), Deputy President, NDU, Islamabad
A talk on “Non-Contact Warfare in the Indian Ocean Region: Emerging Dynamics and Crisis Implications.” Seminar- Emerging Technologies and future of Warfare
Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, delivered a talk on “Disruptive Technologies & the Future of Warfare.”
Seminar- Emerging Technologies and future of Warfare
Lt Gen Aamer Riaz, HI(M) (Retd), delivered the Keynote Address as Chief Guest
Seminar- Emerging Technologies and future of Warfare
Seminar- Emerging Technologies and future of Warfare
The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE), Pakistan Navy War College, hosted a seminar on emerging technology and future of warfare
Maritime Awareness & National Security Engagement
The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE), Pakistan Navy War College, participated in academic outreach session hosted by Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS)
Maritime Awareness & National Security Engagement
The session was graced by President MCE as Chief Guest
Maritime Awareness & National Security Engagement
President MCE delivered an insightful talk highlighting Pakistan’s maritime domain, evolving security challenges, and the strategic role of Pakistan Navy in safeguarding national interests.
MCE successfully organized its maiden Maritime Potential Course (MPC)
The two-week capacity-building initiative was designed for fresh graduates from diverse national universities, with the aim of nurturing future maritime professionals.
Deputy President MCE, visited NASTP-Telec Group of companies
During the visit, discussions were held on technological advancement and research development.
Deputy President MCE, visited Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Karachi
The visit enabled a constructive exchange of ideas focused on strengthening professional maritime education.
Deputy President visited the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA)
Head of delegation called on Chairperson PIIA, Ambassador Dr Masuma Hassan where constructive discussions for collaboration between two institutions were were held.
he MCE delegation visited the Centre for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS) in Karachi
The visit explored mutually beneficial avenues for collaboration, including joint research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and policy-driven seminars.
Maritime Security Workshop-8
Group Photograph with Chief Guest and participants
Maritime Security Workshop-8
Chief of the Naval Staff welcomes the Chief Guest Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani
Maritime Security Workshop-8
Session begins with participants and chief guest
MCE-UMT Conference:Re-thinking security: traditional and non-traditional threats in a transforming world
The objective is to bridge these divides and develop comprehensive strategies for a complex future.
The President Maritime Centre of Excellence and Commandant Pakistan Navy War College giving Opening remarks
MCE-UMT Conference:Re-thinking security: traditional and non-traditional threats in a transforming world
The inaugural session titled “Discourse Unwrapping” brought together an esteemed panel of scholars and strategists
MCE-UMT Conference:Re-thinking security: traditional and non-traditional threats in a transforming world
MCE visited the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA)
Both institutions engaged in meaningful deliberations on mutual collaboration and explored future avenues for joint academic and research initiatives
6th CISS Workshop on Strategic Matters
A delegation from the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) actively participated, contributing to key strategic dialogues
The MCE team visited the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI)
The discussion revolved around regional security dynamics, strategic stability, and avenues for future collaboration in research and policy discourse
6th CISS Workshop on Strategic Matters
Opening discussions on global and regional security challenges
MCE delegation visited the National Defence University, Islamabad
Both institutions engaged in insightful discussions to explore new avenues for collaboration and to expand academic outreach in Islamabad and Lahore
6th CISS Workshop on Strategic Matters
Final Day of Workshop
Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) delegation visited the Global industrial Defense Solutions (GIDS)
An interactive session on maritime strategy and national security
Delegation from the Maritime Centre of excellence (MCE) visited the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Enhancement of academic linkages and explore future avenues of collaboration
Visit at ISSI focused on identifying potential areas for joint research and policy engagement
ISSI
Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) delegation visited Air University, Islamabad
For an insightful and interactive engagement focused on maritime research and strategic studies
Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) conducted a seminar at Quaid-e-Azam University
Focusing on maritime security and strategic affairs
Seminar at Quaid-e-Azam University
The session promoted academic dialogue and highlighted the importance of research collaboration in advancing Pakistan’s maritime thought
MCE delegation visited the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Islamabad
The interaction focused on sharing research progress, aligning objectives, and exploring future collaborations
Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) visited the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
An interactive session focused on contemporary strategic and maritime issues
Delegation from the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) visited the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI)
The visit aimed to foster academic exchange and explore future avenues of collaboration between the two institutions

MCE CHRONICLES

Learning from Lepanto: Lessons for Modern Maritime Strategy

Author: Farazay Zia

In the Era of Contested Skies: Role of Missiles in South Asia

Author: Shamil Abdullah Saleh

US and China in the Greenland Power Play: Emerging geopolitical rivalry in the Arctic

Author: Kanza Sohail

CPEC- Enhanced Role of Pakistan Navy

Author: Safia Mansoor

Iran as a Test Case For The Strategic Calculus of Moscow and Beijing in a Multipolar Order

Author: Abdullahi Haji Daud Warsame

A New Underwater Arms Race? Assessing Risks for Pakistan from an India–AUKUS–Style Deal

Author: Tayyaba Rehan