In a demonstration of unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, emphasized that the Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to defend every inch of its territorial waters, from Sir Creek to Gwadar.
During his visit to the frontlines in the Sir Creek area, Admiral Ashraf reviewed the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Navy. The visit highlighted the induction of three state-of-the-art 2400 TD hovercrafts into the Pakistan Marines, marking a significant advancement in the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy.
The hovercrafts are a versatile addition to the Navy’s fleet, designed to operate in a range of challenging environments, including shallow waters, sandy banks, marshlands, and soft coastal terrains where traditional vessels may struggle. This unique capability of operating on both land and water at the same time provides Pakistan Marines with a strategic advantage in fulfilling their assigned duties.
Admiral Ashraf underscored that the inclusion of these hovercrafts aligns with the Navy’s vision to modernize its naval defense and fortify the protection of the country’s maritime borders, particularly in the strategically sensitive Sir Creek region. He emphasized that maritime trade routes and oceanic security are not only military necessities but also pillars of national sovereignty and economic prosperity.
The Naval Chief further reassured the nation that Pakistan Navy remains a pillar of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and a key partner in regional maritime security. He conveyed the Navy’s readiness to respond effectively and decisively to any threats, reinforcing that the defense capabilities of the Pakistan Navy are as robust as the unwavering resolve of its personnel.
In a separate development, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced temporary airspace restrictions for flights operating between Karachi and Lahore next week. According to the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the PAA, certain flight routes will be modified to ensure the continued safety and efficient management of air traffic. The restrictions will come into effect on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 05:01 AM and remain in place until Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 09:00 AM.
The NOTAM stated that the measures are a routine precautionary action and are being implemented for operational reasons to ensure the safe and efficient management of air traffic during this period.
Meanwhile, an open-source tracker, Damien Simon, reported that Indian authorities issued a similar NOTAM, likely in preparation for joint military exercises scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 10, 2025. The exercises are expected to span a vast area along India’s western border, stretching from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to the disputed marshlands of Sir Creek.
The region has long been a point of contention between the two nuclear-armed nations, with unresolved maritime border issues complicating negotiations. According to reports from Indian media, the upcoming joint military drills will involve all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces and aim to demonstrate the country’s military self-reliance, innovation, and operational readiness in the face of rising tensions in the region.
