Pak Navy launches 'Operation Muhafizul Bahr' against threats to shipping, trade amid Mideast crisis

ISPR says the operation aims to ensure that vital sea routes remain safe, secure and uninterrupted

The Pakistan Navy on Monday launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to counter "multidimensional threats to national shipping and maritime trade" amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, the military’s media wing said.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

The conflict has already led to the suspension of around a fifth of global crude and natural gas supply, as Tehran targets ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz between its shores and Oman, and attacks energy infrastructure across the region.

A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued today said: "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."

It said the initiative aimed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies and the security of sea lines of communication (SLOCs).

The ISPR further stated that with approximately 90% of Pakistan’s trade conducted via sea, the operation aimed to ensure that vital sea routes remained "safe, secure and uninterrupted"

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. The initiative has been undertaken to… pic.twitter.com/sMsxk1L1Ww

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 9, 2026

“PN escort operations are being conducted in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. PN is fully cognizant of the prevailing maritime situation and is actively monitoring and controlling the movement of merchant vessels to ensure their safe and secure transit,” it said.

The ISPR said the navy ships were currently escorting two merchant vessels, one of which was scheduled to arrive in Karachi today.

“Pakistan Navy remains fully prepared to respond to emerging maritime security challenges and is committed to ensuring the safety of national shipping and regional maritime security,” it added.