ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy says its ongoing maritime security operation is helping protect the country’s energy lifelines and commercial shipping as conflict in the Middle East places increasing pressure on some of the world’s most important sea routes.
Under Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, naval vessels have been escorting Pakistani merchant ships and monitoring national trade routes in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. Officials say the operation is intended to keep the country’s Sea Lines of Communication secure and ensure that essential cargo, particularly fuel and other energy supplies, continues to reach Pakistani ports.
The mission has assumed greater importance as fighting involving Iran and the United States has disrupted maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan conducts the overwhelming majority of its international trade by sea and remains particularly dependent on imported petroleum, making prolonged disruption in the Gulf a significant economic and security concern.
The Navy says it is continuously monitoring merchant-vessel movements and remains prepared to respond to emerging threats. Although Pakistani naval ships are not policing the Strait of Hormuz itself, the operation is designed to secure vessels travelling along Pakistan’s own maritime trade routes.