NIMA-ICRC International Seminar Highlights Legal and Humanitarian Challenges in Contemporary Naval Warfare
Islamabad – The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly conducted an International Seminar on “San Remo Manual and Contemporary Naval Warfare” in Islamabad, bringing together distinguished maritime and legal experts.
Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, while speaking as Chief Guest, underscored the seminar’s strategic importance and emphasized upholding the provisions of San Remo Manual in contemporary naval warfare. He was of the view that the manual needs to evolve with the challenges being posed by the advent of AI, autonomous systems, cyber threats, and non-state actors.
Prominent speakers included Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed, President NIMA; Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, Aalim Judge FSC; Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Barrister Taimur Malik, Commodore Dr. S. M. Akhtar Hussain Gardezi, JAG Pakistan Navy; Dr Jahanzeb Butt, and Aezaz-ur-Rehman & Ammad Hassan from ICRC.
Experts analysed San Remo Manual’s relevance in the light of ongoing conflicts, excessive collateral damage and recommended policy options.
Christoph Sutter, Head of ICRC Delegation in Pakistan; while concluding, appreciated NIMA’s effort and emphasized to continue Pakistan’s commitment to promote humanitarian-centric dialogue in the obtaining maritime security and legal environment.