Launch of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr
On March 9, 2026, the Pakistan Navy officially launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr. This operation was initiated in response to escalating regional security threats that posed risks to national shipping and maritime trade.
The backdrop of this operation includes heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following US and Israeli air strikes that resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event has significantly affected global energy supplies, with around a fifth of crude and natural gas supply suspended.
Objectives and Coordination
Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr aims to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). Approximately 90% of Pakistan’s trade is conducted via sea, making the operation critical for the country’s economic stability.
As part of the operation, the Pakistan Navy is currently escorting two merchant vessels, with one scheduled to arrive in Karachi shortly. The operation is being conducted in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), ensuring that escort operations are effectively managed.
Current State and Preparedness
The Pakistan Navy remains vigilant and is actively monitoring the movement of merchant vessels to guarantee their safe transit. In a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), it was emphasized that the Navy is fully prepared to respond to emerging maritime security challenges.
ISPR noted, “In view of the evolving regional maritime security environment and potential disruptions to critical sea lanes, Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to counter multidimensional threats to national shipping and maritime trade.” This highlights the operation’s significance in the current geopolitical landscape.
Importance of the Operation
The initiative is crucial not only for protecting Pakistan’s maritime interests but also for maintaining regional maritime security. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has underscored the necessity for such operations, as disruptions in maritime trade can have far-reaching economic consequences.
As the situation develops, the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to safeguarding national shipping and ensuring the security of vital sea routes will be closely monitored by both regional and global stakeholders. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the operation’s scope or additional measures being implemented.