The dawn of 6 September 1965, a full fifty years ago this day, was like any other dawn. As the sun rose over the horizon, however, it ushered in, along with the ever-brightening rays of…
Posts Published by Pervaiz
Gwadar Glimpses
Part 1 – 1973 to 1981 My first look at Gwadar in early 1973, needless to say, was not a pretty one. Heat, dust and despondency hung in the air. As soon as the ship’s…
Pakistan’s Strategic Environment
Pakistan’s security perspective remained exceedingly bleak during the decade following India’s first nuclear explosion in 1974. It’s policy of nuclear ambiguity from the mid- nineteen eighties onwards served it well. Though the country was finally…
An Exercise in Naval Revamping
Introduction Any nation’s military potential is generally an offshoot of its economic strength. There are however many instances where such military might becomes disprortionate in the face of a real or perceived threat. Any serious…
Extended Continental Shelf – The Last Maritime Frontier
Pakistan’s crowning glory this year(no, it’s not international cricket coming back to the country after a prolonged hiatus) is a little acknowledged achievement: winning the UNs endorsement for extension of Pakistan’s continental shelf up to…
The Containerised Trade Revolution
Arguably the greatest revolution in the field of maritime transportation since the advent of sea-going steamships in 1819 took place when the first containerised shipment left Port Newark in 1956. It is said to be…
Demystifying Maritime Exclusion Zones
Recognising the military and economic impact of denying one’s adversaries access to free trade over the sea during hostilities, nations have over centuries resorted to what is commonly known as a naval blockade. The legal…
Protection of Shipping from Pakistan’s Perspective
Introduction The subject of shipping protection has a direct relevance to us as the country, being wholly dependent on seaborne trade, is constrained to ensure its protection at times. In fact, one of the Navy’s…
Of Believers, Martyrs and Jannatis
Throughout the ages, Muslim scholars have in general displayed an infinite propensity for discussing subjects which are way beyond their mental and wisdom levels, things like the nature of Allah and His Prophet, the Adam…
The Malaise Within
The senseless attack on the Charlie Hebdo news office , its credentials notwithstanding, as well as an associated hostage drama, in which a total of 17 people were killed, galvanised the French public to the…
