—– Patrolling aims at ensuring ‘safety of Pakistan and international merchant ships’, says Spokesperson
KARACHI: Pakistan Navy has deployed its warships in the wake of the recent maritime security incidents in the Arabian Sea, a spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday.
He said that the navy is actively and continuously monitoring the maritime situation in the Arabian Sea to ensure the safety of both national and international Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). The spokesperson said that the primary objective is to safeguard the routes used by shipping heading to Pakistan and international destinations.
To achieve this, the statement added, two to three naval ships are consistently patrolling the areas frequented by Pakistan-bound and international merchant vessels. He said that the ongoing presence aims to provide protection and ensure the secure transit of ships through the maritime region. Additionally, he stated that extensive air surveillance measures are being implemented to enhance the safety of international SLOCs passing through Pakistani waters.
The development comes two days after the Indian Navy rescued the crew of a merchant vessel after its attempted hijack in the Arabian Sea and said it had not found any pirates on board.
An Indian Navy warship intercepted the Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk bulk carrier less than a day after it had received a report that the vessel had been hijacked about 460 nautical miles off Somalia. –Agencies
