Pakistan welcomes UN approval for extending maritime zone

Pakistan on Friday welcomed the UN approval of its demand to extend its continental shelf, or maritime zone.

Pakistan had submitted its claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in April, 2009, in the Arabian Sea. The UN has unanimously approved Pakistan's claim for extension of the outer limits of its continental shelf.

"As a consequence of this landmark development, Pakistan has been granted an additional area of approximately 50,000 square kilometers," Xinhua news agency quoted Pakistan's top security adviser, Sartaj Aziz, as saying.

He said Pakistan would have exclusive rights for exploitation and exploration of resources at and beneath the seabed in this area in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

"This development will boost our efforts aimed at sustainable socio-economic uplift of the people of Pakistan," Aziz said in a statement.

The Pakistani advisor thanked the international community, especially Oman, for its understanding and cooperation in the matter.

Unclos was adopted in 1982 and came into force in November 1994. Pakistan ratified the convention in February 1997. The Convention entered into force for Pakistan on March 28, 1997.

Officials say the decision will provide a reliable and firm database and foundation, essential for future marine research and exploration of living and non-living marine resources.

It will also provide a good basis for scientists and technicians to further promote and develop the marine geological and geophysical research and survey capabilities.