Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Pakistan’s Perspective

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) remains a cornerstone of global maritime security, encompassing the effective understanding of all activities in the maritime environment that could impact safety, security, economy, and the environment. For Pakistan, a nation with more than 990-kilometer coastline along the Arabian Sea, MDA is not just a priority—it is a necessity. The nation continues to rely heavily on maritime trade, with over 95% of its commerce conducted via sea routes. This economic dependence accentuates the critical need for robust maritime security to safeguard against both traditional and non-traditional threats.

Islamabad has a history of supporting order at sea, is recognized as a key upholder of international maritime law, and has undertaken various initiatives to enhance MDA. Pakistan’s approach demonstrates that well-founded institutions can provide effective MDA with an economical expenditure of resources. In 2013, Pakistan took a significant step towards enhancing its MDA with the establishment of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) in Karachi. Operated by the Pakistan Navy, the JMICC serves as an information-sharing and inter-agency coordination platform for maritime incidents within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Joint Maritime Information Organization Act of 2019 defines MDA as the “effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of Pakistan.”

JMICC works in six domains: (1) Maritime Terrorism, (2) Piracy, (3) Organized Maritime Crime, (4) Illegal exploitation of the EEZ, (5) Marine Pollution, and (6) Search and Rescue. To fulfill its mandate, JMICC coordinates with 48 national stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the maritime industry, fishermen, and academia. It has also developed an Android-based application, Assistance, Anytime, Anywhere at Sea, to facilitate communication with maritime communities, enabling SOS requests and incident reporting. So far, JMICC has coordinated 216 search and rescue operations, saving 1,844 lives.

Pakistan’s international maritime cooperation has also played a vital role in enhancing its MDA. JMICC liaises with key maritime data hubs and international counterparts such as Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre and Italy’s Virtual Regional Maritime Traffic Centre. This collaboration has provided Pakistan access to broader expertise on maritime threat assessment, vessel movements, and regional security challenges. Pakistan further strengthens regional maritime security through the Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) program, which operates under the mandates of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2316 and 2216, targeting piracy and illicit arms trade. Additionally, Pakistan actively participates in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 44-nation maritime partnership based in Bahrain, with Pakistan Navy officers periodically commanding its operations.

Given Pakistan’s exclusion from regional forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), alternative maritime collaborations have become essential. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by China, offers Pakistan an avenue to bolster its maritime capabilities, especially through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC strengthens Pakistan’s economic standing and enables cooperation with BRI states in the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean, such as Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This collaboration is particularly significant in countering the strategic influence of the Quad nations—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Through naval diplomacy, joint exercises like AMAN, and shared maritime infrastructure such as coastal radar systems and surveillance networks, Pakistan can reinforce its regional maritime security framework.

The AMAN “Together for Peace” exercise is another key initiative by Pakistan to reinforce regional peace and stability. Hosted biennially in Karachi since 2007, AMAN provides a platform for participating navies to exchange expertise on counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security operations. The 2021 AMAN exercise brought together the United States, China, and Russia in a rare collective maritime security operation amidst great power competition, demonstrating Pakistan’s role as a bridge between competing global powers.

Lately, in 2025, A total of 54 nations, including those with aircraft carriers, frigates, special operations forces, and observers, are taking part in this exercise. AMAN-09 included maritime drills, a frigate inspection, cultural engagements, and a conference titled “Maritime Threats and Opportunities in the 21st Century – Addressing Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges, Force Postures, and Extra-Regional Interests in the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf.”

To advance maritime outreach and innovation, Pakistan has established institutions like the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and the Pakistan Naval War College (PNWC). Since 2017, PNWC has hosted an annual Maritime Security Workshop, convening government officials, industry representatives, academics, and the media to discuss maritime policy. Pakistan also launched the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP) in 2023 at Bahria University Karachi to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners in maritime innovation.

A multi-faceted technological revolution has placed comprehensive MDA within the reach of developing countries. Technologies such as satellite-based data, low-cost commercial drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and crowd-sourced surveillance offer more efficient tools to govern maritime domains. By integrating advanced technologies into its existing MDA framework, Pakistan can leapfrog traditional methods and enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. AI-based analytics can improve maritime threat identification, while satellite and drone technology can strengthen Pakistan’s Maritime Common Operating Picture. Such advancements not only bolster national security but also stimulate local innovation and attract foreign investment in Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.

Pakistan’s approach to MDA in the Indian Ocean highlights its commitment to safeguarding national interests while contributing to regional stability and global maritime security. Through institutions like the JMICC and initiatives like RMSP and AMAN, Pakistan demonstrates that well-structured institutions can provide cost-effective yet robust MDA capabilities. By fostering regional partnerships, leveraging technological advancements, and enhancing information-sharing mechanisms, Pakistan is positioning itself as a proactive player in maritime security.