Threats posed to the country's economy due to rise in piracy incidents at sea, has necessitated a more dynamic role for Pakistan Navy (PN) to safeguard our maritime interests. PN, in addition to co-operative maritime security is also undertaking independent operations to protect its flag-carriers plying in the Indian Ocean.
In order to ensure safe passage of MV Islamabad from Singapore to Port of Sudan and other shipping plying through these areas, PNS Shahjahan (with embarked helo) was tasked to patrol the piracy prone areas of Indian Ocean region 600-1,000 NMs South West off Karachi.
PNS Shahjahan remained in the area for five days in extremely rough seas and safely escorted MV Islamabad till International Recognised Traffic Corridor (IRTC) in HoA for onward journey to port of Sudan. During ship's patrolling, pertinent information with regard to piracy activities encountered/observed was obtained from merchantmen. The same helped in promoting PN's resolve for peace and to combat piracy for common good in the Indian Ocean.
While PNS Shahjahan commenced its voyage for home port, it was reported that Pakistani fishing dhow namely, Al-Sohail (registered in Balochistan) is in distress around 900 kms south of Gwadar. Ship was immediately dispatched for providing assistance to stranded fishing dhow. PNS Shahjahan upon locating the fishing dhow provided the crew with sufficient food to sustain and subsequently took the fishing dhow under tow despite perilous sea conditions and vagaries of weather. Presence of PN ship at such a distant location provided assurance to the crew which seemed exhausted for being stranded in severe sea conditions.-PR
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