THE Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, is once again in turmoil. Iran, leveraging its geographic advantage, has begun dictating terms by restricting oil and cargo trafficking. Every tremor in Hormuz reverberates across global markets, threatening energy flows, food security and economic stability. Consequently, a mighty world power, after wreaking havoc on Iran, now finds itself forced to seek mediation and an end to the war. For Pakistan, a nation whose survival hinges on uninterrupted maritime trade, the lesson is immediate and urgent: security at sea is not optional. It is the foundation of national endurance.

In response to this volatile environment, Pakistan Navy has activated Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr—literally, “Protector of the Sea.” The operation is defensive yet decisive, designed to safeguard the nation’s maritime lifelines. Warships escort merchant vessels through the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea, ensuring safe passage amid regional hostilities. The first mission, involving two Pakistan National Shipping Corporation tankers carrying over 100 million litres of oil, was a quiet triumph. Escorted from Fujairah to Karachi, they arrived safely. These missions may not make headlines, but they are the invisible victories that keep factories running, buses moving and homes lit.

For decades, Pakistan’s strategic discourse was dominated by land and air power, while the maritime domain remained underappreciated. The Navy was often seen as a secondary service, its role........

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