Strengthening maritime security through national coordination
Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 was conducted from 2 to 9 February 2026 across Pakistan’s key maritime zones, including Karachi, Ormara and Gwadar. Led by Pakistan Navy Coastal Command, the national-level drill gathered civil, military and private stakeholders to reinforce maritime security along the coastline and in the Arabian Sea. All scenarios were centrally coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) in Manora, ensuring synchronized information sharing and rapid crisis response.
The exercise integrated the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Coast Guards, port and shipping authorities, intelligence bodies and fishing sector representatives. Realistic scenarios replicated piracy, smuggling, illegal trafficking, maritime terrorism and threats to port infrastructure. Search and Rescue (SAR) drills simulated distress cases at sea. Securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), vital for Pakistan’s trade and energy supply, remained a core objective.
Maritime domain awareness and strategic impact
A central focus of Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 was enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness through integrated surveillance and a Common Operating Picture managed by JMICC. An independent authority conducted an impartial evaluation, validating procedures for collecting, analyzing and disseminating maritime information under time-sensitive conditions. These drills highlighted the importance of robust communication systems and inter-agency coordination.
By selecting strategic hubs such as Karachi — Pakistan’s primary commercial port — and Gwadar, a key regional connectivity node, the exercise underscored their economic importance. Beyond operational gains, it also supports capacity-building initiatives and future technological investments. As maritime challenges evolve, continuous training and collaboration remain pillars of Pakistan’s long-term maritime security strategy.
