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.
Read also: Pakistan Navy deploys ship to Gulf of Aden
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.
Read: India Navy rescues bulk carrier crew after Arabian Sea hijack attempt
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.
About five to six armed people boarded the vessel on Thursday, according to a report received by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency, which said the ship's crew had gathered in the ship's citadel.
The Indian Navy said all 21 crew on board, including 15 Indians, had been evacuated.
An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle off India's west coast last month.
A fire on the Liberian-flagged tanker was extinguished without crew casualties in the incident 200 km (120 miles) southwest of the Indian city of Veraval.
The attacks on vessels in the Arabian Sea follow drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Houthis, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, on commercial shipping, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
