With an aim to create synergy amongst various maritime stakeholders for generating collective responses to asymmetric challenges from sea especially the threats to coastal infrastructure/assets, Pakistan Navy conducted Coastal Security Exercise code named "Tahaffuz-e-Sahil" around areas of Karachi Harbour, Port Bin Qasim anchorage and Korangi Fish Harbour.
Various scenarios cum contingencies were created during the exercise ranging from Terrorists infiltration through the coast/ports, Arms and Drugs smuggling, Terrorist attacks against assets/infrastructure and Hijacking of vessels/boats for sabotage activities to improve inter-agency co-ordination and develop co-ordinated responses.
Besides Pakistan Navy, the Exercise was participated by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), Police, Customs, Port Authorities and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
During the debrief session attended by various participants of the Exercise, Commander Coast Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmad highlighted the significance of remaining vigilant against asymmetric challenges to coastal infrastructure/ports, especially the upcoming Gwadar port. He appreciated the efforts put in by all and reiterated to accord highest priority to coastal security and continue rehearsing in next series of exercises against various Maritime terrorism related threats.-PR