Coastal Command (Pakistan)
Coastal Command (COMCOAST) is a coastal defence and fortification command of the Pakistan Navy with duties to manage maritime and all creek coastal areas in the country. It is one of the seven component commands of the navy with offices in Karachi. It is tasked with conducting defensive measures for maintaining and operating ports, harbour, and ground-based air defence of the navy, in addition to providing logistics support to naval fleet, and the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) units, a coastal guard branch of the navy.[1]
| Pakistan Navy Coastal Command | |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Allegiance | Pakistan |
| Branch | Pakistan Navy |
| Role | Maritime security |
| Part of | Maritime Security Agency Pakistan Navy Western Command Pakistan Marines Special Service Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nickname(s) | COMCOAST |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | VADM Raja Rab Nawaz |
| First commander | VADM Iftikhar Ahmed |
Also responsible for the national security and maritime environment, including sea projects of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure, it is commanded by a rear admiral known as Commander Coast.[2][3] Coastal Command is the countrywide authority of all naval units and establishments, including[4] the Western Command, the Pakistan Marines, and the Special Service Group among others.[1]
Its first commander was vice admiral Iftikhar Ahmed.[5]
Responsibilities
Its main duties are focused on providing computer and network surveillance support to fleet, counter piracy, coordinated counterterrorism and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations, in addition to carrying marine salvage and combat search and rescue operations. The command is also tasked with non-combat assignments such as responding to natural disaster with responsibilities for providing humanitarian aid in emergency.
Jurisdiction
In the west, it works under the jurisdiction of the east to Jiwani, extending 1000 kms of the country's coastline, which includes Makran towards Karachi, and creek areas towards the east of International Border.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Niaz, Tahir (2020-07-04). "Pak Navy Coastal Command gears up to overcome CPEC challenges". The Nation. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "New Comkar, Comcoast take charge". DAWN.COM. 2020-10-20. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan". Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "International defence exhibition and seminar 2018". bahria.edu.pk. Retrieved 2021-09-19.
- ^ "Report of the Senate standing committee on defence" (PDF). senate.gov.pk. Retrieved 2021-09-19.