Pakistan Navy launches ‘Muhafiz-ul-Bahr’ to secure sea trade

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr in response to the evolving regional maritime security environment and potential threats to critical sea lanes, aiming to safeguard national shipping and maritime trade.

The operation has been initiated to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and the security of key Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), which are vital for Pakistan’s economic stability.

Under the initiative, naval escort operations are being carried out in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). The navy said it is closely monitoring the maritime situation and actively managing the movement of merchant vessels to guarantee their safe transit.

With nearly 90 per cent of Pakistan’s trade conducted through sea routes, the operation seeks to keep critical maritime corridors safe, secure and uninterrupted.

Currently, Pakistan Navy ships are escorting two merchant vessels, one of which is expected to arrive in Karachi later today.

The navy reiterated that it remains fully prepared to respond to emerging maritime security challenges and is committed to ensuring the safety of national shipping as well as regional maritime stability.