With the development of the deep sea port at Gwadar, the Pakistan Navy is anticipating fresh security challenges.
It has thus allocated a Special Marine Battalion at the port for surveillance. These marines will safeguard sea links used for communication and provide protection to trade ships routing in and out of the port in the near future.
Trade is expected to spring up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, reports the Dawn.
The battalion is an addition to the existing troops securing the coastlines of Karachi Harbour and Sir Creek areas.
Most of the Indian Ocean, including Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), was declared a high-risk area of piracy.
Moreover, owing to the hostility between India and Pakistan, Pakistan Navy has plans on maintaining a 1:5 power balance with its arch rival.
