Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Zulfiquar, while conducting a regional maritime security patrol, successfully rescued an Iranian fishing dhow carrying 23 fishermen, according to an official statement released by the Pakistan Navy on Thursday.
The fishing vessel, named AL Muhammadi, was stranded in the Gulf of Aden, near Yemen, and had sent out a distress call that was promptly answered by the Pakistan Navy.
In the statement, the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Navy detailed how PNS Zulfiquar quickly responded to the situation after establishing communication with the distressed vessel.
The crew of the AL Muhammadi reported multiple urgent issues, including a seriously injured crew member and a malfunctioning engine, and they requested immediate assistance.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the Pakistan Navy Ship swiftly dispatched both medical and technical teams to the scene,” the statement said.
Medical personnel on board the PNS Zulfiquar provided first aid to the injured fisherman, who had sustained a severe hand injury while attempting to repair the boat’s engine. Additionally, two more sick crew members were examined and treated by the Navy’s medical team.
On the technical front, the Pakistan Navy’s team successfully repaired the fishing boat’s engine, enabling the vessel to continue its journey safely.
The quick response by PNS Zulfiquar showcased the Navy’s preparedness to offer humanitarian assistance to seafarers in distress, particularly in a critical region like the Gulf of Aden, known for its strategic importance and volatile maritime environment.
The rescue operation is part of Pakistan Navy’s ongoing mission to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region. As part of this mission, the Navy frequently deploys its assets to conduct regional maritime security patrols. During these deployments, the Pakistan Navy not only works to maintain security but also stands ready to provide assistance to vessels in need.
“The humanitarian assistance operation highlights Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of seafarers in the Indian Ocean region,” the DGPR statement emphasized.
This rescue mission follows a similar operation earlier this year when the Pakistan Navy came to the aid of eight Iranian fishermen whose boat had caught fire in the open sea.
The swift intervention of the Pakistan Navy in that instance earned them a message of appreciation from Reza Amiri Moghadam, the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan.
In his message, Ambassador Moghadam expressed his gratitude: “I would like to wholeheartedly appreciate the Pakistan Navy for responding actively and conscientiously to the distress call from an Iranian fishing boat engulfed in an uncontrollable fire in the open sea, rescuing eight Iranian fishermen safely.”
He also underscored the longstanding cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in rescue and humanitarian operations, adding that both countries have always stood by each other during difficult times.
“Iran and Pakistan have close mutual support and cooperation in rescue and humanitarian assistance operations in international waters through their vigilance and professionalism,” Moghadam noted, commending the Pakistan Navy’s role in maintaining this tradition of mutual aid between the two brotherly nations.
In conclusion, the Pakistan Navy’s latest rescue of the AL Muhammadi and its crew is yet another demonstration of the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers and contributing to regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
