ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is conducting naval operations to safeguard vital international energy lifelines and maritime trade routes amid continuing conflict in the Middle East, reinforcing its role in maintaining the security of strategically important sea lanes.
Under Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, Pakistan Navy has deployed assets to protect merchant shipping and ensure the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies as regional hostilities threaten maritime traffic across key waterways.
Launched on March 9 following fighting involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the operation initially focused on protecting Pakistani merchant vessels after severe disruptions to shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.
With about 90 per cent of Pakistan’s trade conducted by sea, Islamabad has since strengthened its maritime security efforts as threats extend across crucial international energy and commercial routes in the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and surrounding waters.
Pakistan Navy Safeguards Vital Energy Supplies
Under the operation, Pakistan Navy deployed warships to escort Pakistani merchant vessels travelling between Karachi and the Red Sea while monitoring commercial traffic in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Pakistan Navy Day message, praised the force for making “swift and significant contributions” to preserving Pakistan’s energy security and economic lifelines.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly said the Navy had ensured the “uninterrupted movement” of Pakistani-flagged merchant ships, particularly petroleum, oil and lubricant carriers, during heightened regional tensions.
The operation delivered early results when two PNSC vessels carrying between 100 million and 120 million litres of oil reached Karachi after being escorted from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Independent maritime reporting subsequently identified Pakistani warships accompanying nationally owned tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
Maritime Security Role Expands
Pakistan’s maritime security concerns have since expanded beyond Hormuz to the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden, where attacks have threatened international commercial shipping.
Islamabad has endorsed a Saudi-led multinational maritime security initiative aimed at protecting shipping and energy routes in these strategically important waterways.
Pakistan strengthened its commitment following the deaths of three Pakistani sailors in an attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea in August.
“We support freedom of navigation and maritime security in international waterways under international law,” the Foreign Office said, adding that Pakistan was ready to assist coalition partners in safeguarding maritime traffic and global supply chains.
Pakistan Navy also continues issuing navigational warnings across waters stretching from the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr highlights Pakistan Navy’s ability to respond rapidly to regional crises while protecting the country’s trade, energy security and economic lifelines.
