National Center of Maritime Policy Research, Bahria University organized 1st International Maritime conference on “Maritime Threats and Opportunities in the 21st Century- A Global Perspective on Indian Ocean” from 4 to 6 March 2007 at Bahria University, Karachi. The conference being the first of its kind in Pakistan has been a great success. The conference was organized as a response to the need for developing a better cooperative & progressive regime within Indian Ocean Region with the aim to develop consensus of opinion towards mutually beneficial cooperation in maritime economy, security & environment. Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr Shaukat Aziz opened the conference on 4 March 2007 in an epoch making ceremony and was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhannad Afzal Tahir NI(M) and Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral (R) Farooq Rashid HI(M) SBt.

The 3 day professional program from 4-6 March 07 at NCMPR Bahria University focused on Key areas encompassing Environment, Security and Legal Regimes with Economy being the center piece of discussions and presentations in the light of threats and challenges confronted in maritime domain, especially in relation to post 9/11 geopolitical environment and subsequent global war on terrorism. Considering the wide scope and the ever changing geopolitical and geo-economics situation in the Indian Ocean region, convening of this important Conference in maritime realm has received tremendous international response. As a result, eminent speakers, comprising over twenty foreign scholars from over a dozen countries with wide international experiences on matters related to maritime security, economy, environment and legal regimes featured at the conference. In addition to foreign speakers, a record number of International delegates from U.S.A, U.K, Canada, China, Iran, Malaysia and Russia and many other countries/ organizations participated in conference. Moreover large number of diplomats based at Islamabad, educationists, environmentalists, tourism experts, policy makers, international organizations, public sector officials, corporate executives, stakeholders and many other individuals/organizations; directly and indirectly related with the maritime domain graced this diverse international event. Proceedings featured keynote presentations/State of the Art lectures by high profile local & foreign resource persons & governmental functionaries; who undertook joint efforts to evolve future course of action in maritime domain. This conference has claimed genuine praise from all quarters and round the globe. Cogent and poignant recommendations have been made to serve as stepping stone for a continuous cooperation and collaboration to facilitate first and safe use of Ocean for mankind. Comprehensive reports incorporating recommendations and proceedings of the conference will be made available for knowledge dissemination by the National Center of Maritime Policy Research, Bahria University shortly.

The successful event was declared closed by honorable Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Abad on 6 March 2007; who was the Chief Guest for the occasion.