Oil tankers from UAE reach Karachi Under Navy Protection
Two oil tankers carrying a critical supply of fuel from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have safely arrived at Karachi Port. This successful transit, completed on March 13, 2026, was conducted under the direct escort of the Pakistan Navy. This is a part of a specialized maritime security operation aimed at stabilizing the country’s energy supply during heightened regional tensions.
Secure Transit from Fujairah
The vessels, belonging to the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), departed from the port of Fujairah and navigated through the Gulf of Oman. The shipment brought between 100 million and 120 million liters of oil, providing a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s petroleum reserves.
The decision to provide a naval escort follows a series of recent maritime attacks in the region. This includes reports of explosive-laden drone boats and sea mines. The Pakistan Navy’s protective “hussar” (cordon) ensured the tankers reached their destination without incident. Oil tankers from UAE reach Karachi.
Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr
The escort was part of the newly launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr (Protector of the Sea). This initiative was established to safeguard Pakistan’s merchant vessels and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy along the Karachi–Gulf and Karachi–Red Sea Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
Current Maritime Status:
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Safely Docked: Two PNSC tankers with ~120m liters of fuel.
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Stranded Vessels: Two Pakistani ships remain stuck in the Persian Gulf due to regional disruptions.
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 Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar, confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted Iran to facilitate the safe release of the remaining stranded ships.
Strategic Impact
The arrival of these shipments is expected to ease the pressure on domestic fuel availability. Which has been strained by volatile global energy markets and a historic Rs55 per liter hike in local fuel prices. While the Strait of Hormuz remains a high-risk zone. Pakistani authorities are focusing on securing their own trade corridors to prevent a total supply chain collapse.
