Islamabad. Pakistan is silently sharpening its military preparations in the coastal areas of Sir Creek and Sindh adjacent to Gujarat. According to sources, recently Pakistan has rapidly strengthened its amphibious (water and land) warfare capabilities in this area. The deployment of special hovercraft operating in marshy waters, new drone projects and major maneuvers of the three armies show that Pakistan is trying to develop this aquatic and inaccessible area as a new front against India.
Pakistan has conducted several coastal security exercises in the backwaters around Sir Creek. Close-quarter combat operations were practiced off the Karachi/Sindh coast with Turkish Special Forces in August last year and Saudi Arabian Navy in February. Also conducted Port Security and Harbor Defense exercises to counter non-traditional threats at Port Qasim and Karachi ports in June and August last year.
Pakistan's recent preparations
Pakistan Navy has started Sea-Spark exercises in the North Arabian Sea this month. The exercise involves warships, submarines, aircraft and unmanned (drone) systems. The main focus of the exercise is to strengthen the capabilities of conventional naval warfare as well as multi-domain operations including air, land and cyber, in which the Pakistan Army and Air Force are also participating.
After Operation Sindoor last year, Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naved Ashraf visited the creek in October. During this period, three new 2400 TD hovercraft were inducted into the marine fleet. In July this year, Pakistan Navy conducted an amphibious and drone integration training named Ababeel. In this, exercises involving Marine Commandos, UAVs and sea-to-shore landing were integrated.
Pakistan's intention
There are many strategic reasons behind this multi-dimensional preparation of Pakistan in Sir Creek area. Traditionally, the center of India-Pakistan conflict has been Kashmir and the Punjab border. Pakistan is developing Kutch and Sir Creek front in Gujarat as an alternative or offensive front to engage the Indian Army in multiple directions. The terrain of Sir Creek is extremely complex, marshy and watery. Where heavy tanks or conventional army vehicles do not work. Taking advantage of these geographical barriers, Pakistan is testing its capability for rapid infiltration or attack. There are also psychological aspects behind the attack on Gujarat border. Pakistan assesses that any success in this area could weaken India's national morale.
India's counter preparations
During the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May last year, India had foiled the activities of Pakistani drones on the Gujarat front. Subsequently, in June, the Army, Indian Navy and Coast Guard conducted a major joint exercise in the region, testing speed boats, anti-drone systems and underwater operations in the marshy area.
Pakistan's air route closed to India till 24 October
Pakistan on Wednesday extended the ban on airspace for Indian aircraft by another month. According to Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), now this restriction has been extended till October 24. This ban came into effect from 10:45 am on Wednesday and will continue till 04:59 am on October 24, 2026. The previous deadline for the ban expires on September 24.