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Pakistan Navy launches ‘operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr’ to protect shipping routes amid regional tensions

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Navy has launched a maritime security operation aimed at protecting commercial shipping and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies as regional tensions raise concerns about the safety of key sea routes.

According to a statement from the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, the initiative, named Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, has been initiated to counter potential threats to merchant vessels and safeguard Pakistan’s maritime trade.

Under the operation, naval ships have begun escorting commercial vessels traveling to and from the country’s ports in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. Officials said the navy is closely monitoring maritime traffic and ensuring the safe transit of cargo ships through regional waters.

The statement noted that about 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade moves by sea, making the security of maritime routes critical for the country’s economy and energy imports. At present, naval vessels are escorting two merchant ships, one of which is expected to arrive at Karachi later today.

The operation comes amid growing concerns about maritime security in the wider region as conflicts and tensions threaten global shipping lanes and energy supply routes.

Pakistan’s strategic coastline lies close to some of the world’s busiest shipping corridors linking the Strait of Hormuz with the Arabian Sea, through which a large share of global oil shipments passes.

Officials said the Pakistan Navy remains on high alert and prepared to respond to emerging threats, stressing its commitment to protecting national shipping, trade, and regional maritime stability.