Pakistan launches naval operation to protect sea trade

Pakistan has launched a naval operation to safeguard maritime trade and national shipping as regional tensions rise amid the conflict involving neighbouring Iran.

According to CNN, the Pakistan Armed Forces announced the start of the operation to protect commercial shipping routes and ensure the security of maritime traffic.

Pakistan, which shares a southwestern border with Iran, said the mission was prompted by the “changing regional maritime security situation and potential disruptions to the functioning of key maritime routes.” Officials said the Pakistan Navy is escorting and monitoring merchant vessels to guarantee their safety.

The operation was launched after Iran threatened to attack any ship attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran controls the northern side of the strategic waterway, which serves as a major route for transporting oil from leading producers such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to global markets.

Pakistani officials said the move is intended to ensure the “continuous flow” of energy supplies to the country and protect sea lines of communication—critical maritime routes linking ports and facilitating international trade.

“Since about 90% of Pakistan’s trade is conducted by sea, the objective of the operation is to ensure the security of vital maritime routes,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement.

By Tamilla Hasanova