ISLAMABAD:
As the ongoing war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance begins to disrupt regional maritime security and threaten critical global shipping lanes, Pakistan on Monday launched a naval operation aimed at protecting its maritime trade and energy lifelines.
The Pakistan Navy announced the launch of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, a mission designed to ensure safe passage of merchant vessels and protect sea lines of communication in the increasingly volatile waters of the Arabian Sea and Gulf region.
The move comes at a time when the escalating conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance has raised serious concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Tehran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait, and reports of increased naval activity in the region have alarmed global markets and regional states that rely heavily on maritime trade.
Pakistan, whose economy is predominantly dependent on sea-based trade, is particularly vulnerable to any disruption.
Almost 90% of the country’s trade is conducted via maritime routes, while a large portion of its oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz before reaching Pakistani ports.
Against this backdrop, the Pakistan Navy said it had activated escort operations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and maritime trade.
“In view of the evolving regional maritime security environment and potential disruption of critical sea lanes, the Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to counter multi-dimensional threats to national shipping and maritime commerce,” the military’s media wing said in a statement.
The Navy said the initiative was aimed at ensuring the security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and protecting vessels carrying essential goods to Pakistan.
According to the statement, Pakistan’s naval ships have already started escorting commercial vessels operating under the Pakistani flag.
“PN escort operations are conducted in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC),” the statement said.
Currently, Navy ships are escorting two merchant ships, one of which is scheduled to arrive in Karachi later on Sunday.
The navy said it is closely monitoring the maritime situation and exercising control over the movements of merchant ships to ensure safe transit through potentially vulnerable waters.
“The Pakistan Navy is fully aware of the prevailing maritime situation and is actively monitoring and controlling the movement of merchant ships to ensure their safe and secure transit,” the statement added.
Security analysts say the naval operation reflects growing concern in Islamabad that the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict could spill over into key maritime corridors and disrupt global shipping and energy flows.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles almost a fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Any blockade or military confrontation in the narrow waterway could send shockwaves through global energy markets and seriously affect countries like Pakistan that rely heavily on imported fuel.
Recent days have seen a rise in tensions in the Gulf, with Iran warning that continued military pressure from the US and Israel could force it to reconsider the security of maritime routes in the region.
International shipping lines have already begun to reassess routes and insurance costs, while some ships are reportedly avoiding high-risk areas.
For Pakistan, the stakes are particularly high. Any prolonged disruption to maritime routes could affect oil supplies, increase shipping costs and put further pressure on an already fragile economy.
Officials say Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr is primarily a defensive measure designed to reassure commercial operators and ensure the continuity of trade.
The Pakistan Navy emphasized that it remains ready to respond to emerging maritime threats and will continue to play its role in maintaining regional maritime stability.
“The Pakistan Navy remains fully prepared to respond to emerging maritime security challenges and is committed to ensuring the safety of national shipping and regional maritime security,” the statement said.
Although Islamabad has not directly linked the operation to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, analysts believe the timing clearly reflects the strategic concerns created by the escalating Iran-US-Israel confrontation.
