Emergence of the term ‘maritime security’, as a subset of ‘security’ is one of the manifestations of security, as Buzan suggested. Maritime security has diverse meanings as it largely depends on the purpose and context for which the term is referred to. Recently, as a result of re-evaluation of the maritime environment and recalibration of its maritime security choices, Pakistan Navy launched the initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols or the RMSP. This proposition does not suggest a framework totally excluding the ERF but means to avoid assigning them a lead role in deciding major regional maritime security priorities. In pursuit of region-centric maritime security, the Pakistan Navy’s RMSP draws its strength from the theme of ‘strategic autonomy’, i.e., without having to rely on an external power for setting maritime security priorities and objectives.

Source: Pakistan Today June 03, 2019 16:11 UTC