The Pakistan Navy has begun escorting merchant vessels along Pakistan’s own maritime routes as part of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, officials confirmed on Wednesday, as global energy markets remain volatile following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a Pakistani security official familiar with the operation, the naval escorts are limited to Pakistan’s sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and are not taking place in the Strait of Hormuz.
Focus on Pakistan’s Maritime Routes
The operation is designed to secure vital shipping routes connecting Karachi with the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
“Pakistan Navy is conducting escort operations for Pakistani vessels operating along the Karachi–Gulf and Karachi–Red Sea Sea Lines of Communication,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly.
He clarified that the operation should not be misconstrued as escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that it is focused solely on safeguarding Pakistan’s commercial shipping and energy supply routes.
Background of the Operation
Earlier this week, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the launch of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, stating that naval ships would escort merchant vessels to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and protect maritime trade routes.
The operation is being conducted in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.
Officials noted that around 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade is carried out through sea routes, making maritime security critical for the country’s economy.
Impact of Hormuz Closure
The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entrance to the Arabian Gulf, handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The passage has been disrupted amid escalating conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, which has halted tanker traffic and raised concerns over global energy security.
Pakistan has already felt the impact of the crisis, with the government increasing petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per liter last week due to surging global oil prices.
Since Pakistan imports most of its fuel from the Gulf region, authorities are also reviewing fuel reserves and considering measures to conserve petroleum products as the regional conflict intensifies.
