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Pakistan sea limits increase from 200 nm to 350 nm

March 20, 2015, 4:34 pm/ 3 Comments
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Islamabad- The United Nations’ Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf (UN-CLCS) accepted Pakistan’s claim for extension of its continental shelf limits (sea limits) from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles.

This adds over 50,000 square kilometer (sq-km) of continental shelf to the existing 240,000 sq km of EEZ, under Pakistan’s jurisdiction. Pakistan will have exclusive rights over the seabed and subsoil resources of the added area. This is a landmark achievement and a momentous event in the country’s history, which would bring vast economic benefits through exploitation of extensive natural resources present there.

Article 76 of the UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows coastal states to extend their Continental Shelf beyond 200 NM. However, a coastal state is required to prove its case through technical data to the UN-CLCS, a body of 21 experts in Geology, Geophysics, Hydrography and other related disciplines. Pakistan also has the representation in the body.

The project to extend Pakistan's continental shelf was started in 2005, jointly by Pakistan Navy and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) with Ministry of Science & Technology as the sponsor Ministry.
After four years of dedicated work and collection and processing of voluminous technical data, a comprehensive submission was made to the UN-CLCS on 30 April 2009. On Pakistan’s turn, a seven-member sub-commission of the UN-CLCS undertook in-depth analysis/review of Pakistan’s submission and after over a yearlong thorough scrutiny and analysis, the UN CLCS adopted recommendations for extension of Pakistan's continental shelf from 200 to 350 NM.

During this process, a technical delegation from Pakistan undertook this important task and held multiple interactions with the sub-commission. At the final stage, Pakistan’s delegation, headed by Dr Maliha Lodhi, the permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, gave the final presentation on 10 March 2015. After extensive deliberation, the UN-CLCS has now announced the adoption of Pakistan’s claim.

The accomplishment of this historic milestone, which augurs well for economic well being of the future generations, is outcome of seamless coordination and cooperation between various ministries and departments as well as sustained government support throughout a decade long effort.

It is by all means a great national achievement with rich dividends for the nation in future. All those associated with the project deserve commendation. The nation is rightly proud of this achievement. We must now utilize all our resources to exploit the vast economic potential of our maritime zones for the benefit of our nation.
Pakistan gets additional 50,000 sq-km in sea area
 
Why was it increased?o_O

In the EEZ every nation was given 200NM of sovereign territory from their base line coast where the nation has a right to exploit resources.

The treaty also provides that if the Continental Shelf goes beyond those 200NM, the EEZ can be extended to no more than 350NM from the base line coast.

Will Pakistan going to build some Islands on the increased coast line? Also they need investment in Gwadar?

Why make an island?

Pakistan has sovereign rights to exploit resources in the EEZ for exploration and exploit resources or conservation. If a ship from Somalia wants to cross the EEZ to get to India Pakistan can't refuse or has a say in what ships can hang around. It can however confront a vessal that is exploring or exploiting resources in it's EEZ.

Any exploration or exploitation of Pakistan's EEZ has to be within Pakistan's Laws and Regulations with premission. The distribution of resources will be handled between the exploiter and the country.

Sorry past 200 nm India's ocean begins. UN has no say over sovereign Indian territory.

India has no sovereignty beyond 12NM of it's base line coast. A Pakistani Navy ship can come within those 12NM so it's sailors can give the middle finger to any Indian fishing vessel or an Indian Naval counterpart.

UN has no say on any nation's sovereign land.

Brush up on some International Law.
 
This is certainly a positive development for our nation. Companies like OGDC and PPL have the technical and financial resources to look for Oil and Gas in our continental shelf. I hope other Pakistani companies develop the expertise to venture in this new frontier.
 
As i always say, Pakistan armed forces are the most profitable institute/company of Pakistan.
If army launch its shares, i would be sold out in no time :(
 

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