KARACHI: With an aim to create synergy among 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 named ‘Tahaffuz-i-Sahil’ around areas of the Karachi harbour, the Port Bin Qasim anchorage and the Korangi fish harbour.

Various scenarios and contingencies were created during the exercise ranging from terrorists infiltration through coast or ports, arms and drugs smuggling, terrorist attacks against assets and infrastructure and hijacking of vessels or boats for sabotage activities to improve inter-agency coordination and develop coordinated responses.

Besides the navy, the exercise was attended by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), police, customs, port authorities and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs), said a statement on Friday.

During the debrief session attended by various participants in the exercise, commander of coast Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmad highlighted the significance of remaining vigilant against asymmetric challenges to coastal infrastructure/ports, especially the upcoming Gwadar port.—APP

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2015

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