The Pakistan Navy has deployed one of its frigates in the Gulf of Aden amid the 'prevailing maritime situation' in the Middle East, the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR)-Navy said on Friday.
The Gulf of Aden is a strategically-located waterway off Yemen’s coast, linking the Arabian and Red Seas. It is identified as one of the world’s busiest chokepoints connecting Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal.
Pakistan Navy said that the deployment of PNS Tughril frigate would ensure safety and security of merchant vessels to and from Pakistani ports.
“Pakistan Navy is committed to ensure freedom of navigation on high seas and safety of international sea lanes of communication besides safeguarding national maritime interests and trade through sea,” the Navy statement asserted.
It stated that Pakistan was committed to its obligation to maintain a “rules-based order” in the region.
“In the same spirit Pakistan Navy regularly deploys its ships on Regional Maritime Security Patrols and also contributes to collaborative maritime security efforts under the ambit of Combined Maritime Forces,” Pakistan Navy added.