Pakistan emerged on the world map when the world was in a phase of cold war between USA and USSR. The strategic location and relevance with the core power objective of USSR put Pakistan into a vital position to choose a bloc. It was quite difficult for a newly emerged state to take a position on international and regional matters as the objectives and interests were defined but was not possible for Pakistan to strategically incline towards existing powers as a new born state. Pakistan soon after the independence faced this issue and thus went for the military alliances and agreement to secure its vested national interests. Therefore, military based cooperation and foreign policy construct illustrated Pakistan as a ‘Security State’ hence signifying the importance of the Armed Forces.
Being a state having multi-dimensional security threats, a huge responsibility came on the shoulders of Pakistan Armed Forces to secure the national interests of Pakistan. From the land to air and to the seas, Pakistan’s Armed Forces always proved their professional excellence. In wake of increased naval diplomacy and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the role of Pakistan Navy has expanded credibly in the recent years. In this context, the vision of Pakistan Navy in securing the territorial waters and costal line, constructive role in Maritime Security, addressing sea blindness and exploring the special economic zones is really commendable.
At the time of independence, Pakistan Navy got the share of 4 frigates/ sloops, 4 fleet minesweepers, 8 motor minesweepers and harbor defense launches. Initially, there was no established naval infrastructure and the Naval Headquarters was a one-room office in Karachi which was later shifted to a building at West Wharf and subsequently to Napier Barracks (Liaquat Barracks). Although, it was a navy with extremely low resources, but the story of success started from there. With the resolution, commitment and tireless efforts of Pakistan Navy Officials, Pakistan Navy is now a commendable force possessing advanced minesweepers, submarines, gunboats, fast patrol crafts, floating dock, rotary wing aircraft, submarine chasers, fast attack crafts, survey vessels, advanced missile systems and exclusive training ships etc. Moreover, Pakistan Navy dockyard provides home based maintenance facility and is on the way of acquiring self-indigenization through agreements and transfer of technology from the friendly countries. The naval cooperation with Chinese Navy, west and most recently the naval agreement with Turkey are few examples to quote in this regard.
Besides, Pakistan Navy is effectively engaged in ‘Naval Diplomacy’ to further our bilateral relations with the world. In this regard, bilateral Naval Exercise Sea Guardians-2022 between Pakistan and Chinese Navy were held at Shanghai, China. This was the second exercise of its series, first exercise was held at Karachi in 2020. Newly commissioned Pakistan Navy Ship TAIMUR participated in the exercise along with Chinese Navy assets.
Sea Guardians series of naval exercises between Pakistan and China is a manifestation of strong bilateral military relations which promotes safe and sustainable maritime environment in the region. Regular conduct of bilateral and multi-national exercises by Pakistan Navy are indicative of PN’s resolve to maintain good order at sea and close relations with all friendly navies.
Recently, newly inducted Pakistan Navy Ship TAIMUR has visited Sihanoukville, Cambodia as part of goodwill visit and flag showing mission. This visit manifests resolve to maintain good relations with all friendly countries.
At the coastal borders of Pakistan, Navy has come a long way to help nation building through development of the educational institutions, coastal community building projects and relief operations. It is important to mention that in the recent heavy rain spells and floods in Balochistan, Pakistan Navy is providing relief operations in the flood affected areas. Pakistan Navy has set up a tent village at Bela near Uthal to provide shelter to the locals who have lost their homes in the flash floods. Food and health facilities are being provided to the displaced persons at the tent village. Moreover, free medical camps have been established in the area to provide first aid and free medical facilities to the locals. A dedicated team of doctors and paramedical staff is providing treatment and free medicines to aggrieved populace.
Above all, cognizant of the international obligations and changing international scenario, Pakistan Navy redefined itself and has played vital role in securing the international waters and ensuring regional peace. The general area of this operation is the North Arabian Sea, including parts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Pakistan is part of international task forces (CTF- 150 and CTF-151) and has done excellent job in international campaign against piracy, drug and human trafficking. Pakistan in conjunction with other coalition partners has carried out various successful operations and seized many ships. Pakistan Navy also joined the US-led coalition, called Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) in the year 2004. The campaign, which is maritime component of ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ (OEF), designed to keep a check on sea-borne terrorist elements.
With declaration of regional fate changer project CPEC, the responsibility of Pakistan Navy has increased drastically to ensure security of multi billion project. To respond call of duty, Pakistan Navy raised a specialized Task Force to provide security to Gwadar Port and the projects under CPEC. Henceforth, undoubtedly Pakistan Navy is now an important component of the economic security of Pakistan.
In a nutshell, Pakistan Navy started its journey with limited resources, but with the vision, resolution, commitment and tireless efforts of countries’ leadership and sacrifices of the Navy personnel, Pakistan Navy is now a committed and professional sea arm that has proved its professionalism internationally. Moreover, from security of coastal borders to the nation building efforts, Pakistan Navy has always come up to the expectations of the nation in these seventy years. With the current vision to address sea blindness, exploring natural resources in special economic zones and securing of gigantic economic opportunity, CPEC, Pakistan Navy is emerging as a significant economic component of the country.
