The Pakistan Navy announced in a statement on Saturday that it has sent its warship PNS ASLAT on a regional maritime security patrol in the Indian Ocean to protect merchant ships.
According to the announcement, the warship will use specialized helicopters to guarantee the security of commerce ships arriving at and departing Pakistani ports.
Ensuring the safety of international shipping is another goal of PNS ASLAT deployment.
The statement also stated that in addition to its own missions, the Pakistan Navy warship will take part in cooperative operations with friendly and allied nations while it is on deployment.
In keeping with the idea of maritime diplomacy, the PNS ASLAT will also make port visits to nearby cities.