Pakistan Navy Launches Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr Amid Gulf Crisis.

The Pakistan Navy has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr (Guardian of the Sea) to safeguard national shipping and maritime trade amid escalating regional security threats. This high-stakes initiative is designed to counter “multidimensional threats” and ensure the uninterrupted flow of critical energy supplies as the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran destabilizes regional sea lanes.

Escort Operations & Strategic Security

The Navy has moved to secure Pakistan’s economic lifelines through active protection of its Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs):

• Active Escort Missions: Warships have already begun flanking high-value merchant vessels, including the MV Sargodha into Karachi and the MV Shalamar through the Gulf of Oman, to deter interference with sovereign trade routes.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: These escort operations are being conducted in close collaboration with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
• Trade Dependence: With approximately 90% of Pakistan’s trade conducted via sea, the operation is vital for maintaining economic stability during the ongoing regional flux.
• Readiness: The Navy remains fully prepared to respond to emerging maritime challenges and is actively monitoring all merchant vessel movements to ensure safe transit.

Disclaimer: This report is based on official ISPR statements and maritime intelligence as of March 11, 2026. Operational details are subject to change based on the evolving security environment in the Arabian Sea.