Pakistan is blessed with a vast resource of marine heritage which lies in its south, having a more than 1000km coastline, 240,000 square km of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a further 50,000 square km Continental Shelf. Pakistan reserves the right to exploit marine wealth hidden under this vast area for its own benefit. In order to ensure Pakistan’s right over this huge potential and protect our legitimate interests, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) was raised and mandated in 1987.
Since then, PMSA has been conducting Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Control, Anti-Poaching, Anti-Smuggling and Drug Trafficking operations with regular patrolling and surveillance of Pakistan’s EEZ. Besides policing actively, PMSA has been on the forefront helping the fishing community at sea against accidents they might meet or coercion by the maritime forces of other countries. PMSA is rightly looked upon with respect and dignity among the fishing community; a dependable force whose presence radiates freedom and liberty for the Pakistani fishermen.
Recently, PMSA added another feather in its cap when they rescued an Indian sailor aboard a Liberian-flagged oil and chemical tanker MT High Leader, carrying an all-Indian crew.
The call for help was raised by the vessel in the Arabian Sea which was promptly acknowledged by Pakistan Navy and PMSA. The sailor was brought to a hospital in Karachi and afforded medical treatment. The significance of the episode is magnified in the backdrop of a brief four-day India-Pakistan war in May 2025 that further strained the already tense relations between Pakistan and India. However, in testament to Pakistan’s resolve for service to humanity, despite differences and always adhering to respectful peaceful co-existence, is what Pakistan aspires for.
PMSA has been involved in such activities for years. For instance, a fishing boat Al-Assad carrying a 45 member crew from Ibrahim Hyderi met an accident because of engine malfunction in rough weather on the 5th of March 2024, some 15 nautical miles off Hajambro Creek when they were preparing to return with their fish catch. The boat most unfortunately sank with the tragic loss of 12 fisherman. Already on patrolling duties, PMSA platforms rushed to the scene despite darkness and rough sea conditions, their alertness could save 31 fishermen on the same day while the search continued. With a gap of 7 days, 12 dead bodies were recovered.
PMSS REHMAT, SABQAT, RAFAQAT, small PMSA boats, PMSA defender aircraft, naval aviation and surface elements took part in this Search and Rescue Operation, abiding to their resolve and commitment at the seas. This was a massive effort that the PMSA undertook in coordination with the Pakistan Navy, local administration and the fishing community.
It is important to know that the creeks are by themselves a unique terrain, having an interesting but difficult contours. It is in this area of Pakistan where the mighty Indus greets the sea at a point called Ghorra Bari. The amalgamation of the two has cast a very distinctive effect on the area in the form of wastelands, marshes, swamps and mangroves – another ecstatic feature of exclusivity. Pakistan has about 70 percent of the Creeks Area while the rest lies in India. The area has creeks of various dimensions all of which are interconnected. The major creeks have a width of up to 6 km while the rest are usually 1 to 2 km wide. There are islands all across which are surrounded by the creeks. Amongst the major famous creeks are Sir, Kajhar, Kharak, Khobar, Tursian, Hajamro, Patiani and Phitti. Local communities mostly comprise of fishermen and are naturally adroit in exploiting the marine potential found in the creeks apart from their daily livelihood earning via fishing. In some areas, fishermen use flat bottom boats to cross swamps. These boats are specific to this area and are seldom found anywhere else.
PMSA has been instrumental in providing protection to the fishermen in creeks area and plays a vital role in providing assistance to fishermen in distress. It has also been ensured that fishermen proceeding to the sea are in possession of life saving equipment and each crew member is recorded to ensure their security. However it is not only the Pakistani fishermen that are provided with assistance by PMSA, it also extends a helping hand to the Indian fishermen at sea. For instance,
On 4th of February 2024, an Ocean Tug SAS-5 registered at St Kitts & Nevis was disabled for a few days near the Indian coast at a position 167 NM South East of Karachi. The tug had suffered a failure of its electric generators and was without electrical supply. It had begun its voyage from Indian port of Debhol at Maharashtra on 1st of February 2024 and was heading to Sharjah. Upon receiving SOS call from the Tug, PMSA in coordination with Pakistan Navy initiated a search and rescue operation. Both aerial and surface search was undertaken.
Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) KASHMIR which was deployed on routine maritime security operations in the area reached the distressed Tug first, secured it alongside and provided technical assistance, medical facilities, fresh water and cooked meals. When the defect was rectified, the tug resumed its voyage.
Bound by its sense of duty PMSA remains on continuous vigil, its unwavering resolve is to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests. Faced with challenges at sea, the resolute commitment of PMSA platforms is overriding.
On 21st March 2024, while a PMSA ship was on routine patrol, it encountered 8 Indian fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities well within Pakistani waters. Seeing the PMSA ship one of the fishing boats increased its speed and started to move towards Indian waters.
Eventually, the PMSA ship’s boarding team embarked but the Indian fishing vessel suddenly accelerated and altered its heading to collide with the PMSA ship. Consequently, the Indian fishing vessel capsized and sank with all personnel on board including the PMSA boarding team.
Despite the setback the PMSA crew acted swiftly and rescued five out of the seven Indian fishermen while two went missing. In the process, one PMSA sailor also embraced martyrdom. With professionalism and unwavering dedication at its core, the nationality of those who may be drowning does not matter, humanity is always put first.
While on a watch at sea, PMSA always conforms to its work ethos of unflinching resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests yet extending a helping hand to those in need. Pakistan certainly has positive approach to maintain goodwill in the region, while securing legitimate interests in our territorial waters.
