The Pakistan Navy has launched the XC Guards exercises which will continue until February 9, 2026. The opening ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Faisal Amin as the chief guest.
The exercises will include dialogues and practical maritime drills, with a focus on the challenges facing the marine sector. Vice Admiral Faisal Amin said the exercises aim to enhance confidence in the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) and emphasized the theme: “Safe Seas, Stable Pakistan”.
Highlighting the economic potential of the fishing industry, he noted that billions of dollars could be generated annually. He added that despite improvements by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs over the past year, marine pollution is increasing. “Twenty-five years ago, our seas were much cleaner,” he said.
Vice Admiral Amin said the Pakistan Navy is working with the Sindh government on two major projects to control marine pollution. He stressed that the exercises will address non-traditional threats and include practical drills for environmental protection.
He also mentioned that the vessel monitoring system for fishing boats is near completion and highlighted the need to enhance fishermen’s information and capacity. Through the XC Guards exercises, coordination among various maritime sector institutions has improved.
The Pakistan Navy is committed to expanding the fishing sector and reducing marine pollution through every available forum.