On March 12, 2026, Pakistani authorities clarified that the naval escort operations by the Pakistan Navy are strictly limited to protecting the country’s merchant vessels along key maritime routes between Karachi and the Gulf and Red Sea regions. This decision comes amid heightened security concerns due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Security sources emphasized that the escort operations, under the newly launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, should not be interpreted as Pakistani naval vessels accompanying ships through the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have significantly escalated. ‘Escorting operations by the navy are being carried out for Pakistan’s ships plying on the Karachi-Gulf and Karachi-Red Sea Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs),’ a senior security official stated.
The announcement follows the launch of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy lifelines as the regional security environment becomes increasingly volatile. The Iran-US-Israel confrontation has raised global concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Pakistan, heavily reliant on sea-based trade, is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in regional shipping routes. Nearly 90% of the country’s trade moves through maritime channels, with a significant portion of its oil imports transiting the Gulf before reaching Pakistani ports.
Officials described Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safe operation of Pakistan-flagged vessels. The navy’s efforts are in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), responsible for transporting a significant portion of Pakistan’s strategic cargo.
The clarification is crucial to avoid misinterpretations about Pakistan’s role in the evolving regional crisis. Direct naval involvement in escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant geopolitical implications, given the intense military standoff in the Gulf.
By focusing on securing its own maritime trade corridors, Pakistan aims to reassure commercial operators that shipping linked to Pakistani ports will remain protected. The navy has also increased surveillance of regional waters to ensure safe transit through potentially vulnerable areas.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 12, 2026
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