Pakistan Coast Guards
| Pakistan Coast Guards | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1971–present |
| Country |
 Pakistan |
| Type | Riverine warfare |
| Role | To safeguard frontier of Pakistan along coast line of Sindh and Balochistan |
| Size | ~7,000 |
| Part of |
Interior Ministry Paramilitary Command |
| Combatant headquarters | Karachi, Sindh Province |
| Nickname(s) | PCG |
| Motto(s) | We are Coast Guards..... |
| Colours |
Dark blue, green and white |
| Commanders | |
| Commander of Coast Guard | Brig Atique-ur-Rehman., DG |
The Pakistan Coast Guards (Urdu: پاک ساحلی محافظ; reporting name: PCG) is a law enforcement organization and one of the six uniform services of the Paramilitary command functioning and operating under the civilian control of the Interior Ministry (MoI).
The Coast Guards consisted the active-duty members of Pakistan Army and commanded by one-star rank Brigadier who is headquartered in Karachi, Sindh Province of Pakistan. The Coast Guard are charged and mandated with protecting the coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh Province while it conducts military exercises and operations relating to riverine warfare. The Coast Guards should not be confused with the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) of the Pakistan Navy, which is by law and constitution, charged with defence of coastal areas of the country, conducting military operations to maintain maritime law enforcement in national and international waters.
The Coast Guards were first established as the Maritime Security Agency in 1971 and constituted operationally in 1972 through a Presidential Ordinance. The Parliament restored the constitutional status of the Branch after passing and promulgating the "Coast Guards Act" in 1973 and recognized as one of the six uniformed services of Paramilitary Command. Since then, it has upgraded its facilities and fleet to bolster its capabilities of littoral patrolling of the coast line. In addition to land based troops, the Coast Guards also maintains a small fleet of patrol boats to perform its sea-borne duties, although the operations in deep water and dangerous undertaking are conducted by its counterpart Maritime Security Agency (MSA) of Pakistan Navy. The exact number of personnel and equipment held with Coast Guards remains classified. The Pakistan Coast Guards works under administrative control of Ministry of Interior in peace time whereas it will come under operational control of Pakistan Army in wartime situations.
The Organisation
Headquarters
The Headquarters with its compliments and PCG Hospital.
PCG Battalions
PCG Battalions are led by commandants with the rank of lieutenant colonel, seconded from the Army. The Battalions are located as follows:
The battalions are each subdivided into 3-4 companies (commanded by majors/captains seconded from the Army).
Marine Wing
Pakistan Coast Guards as a whole is spread all over to safeguard coastal belt of 1050 km as well as up to 12 NM Territorial Waters of Pakistan. Marine Wing of PCG is entrusted with the responsibility of 12 NM of territorial waters. The Marine Wing is based at Karachi and commanded by a commander of operation branch, seconded from Pakistan Navy. MW is equipped with Fast Patrol Crafts, lethal Interceptor Boats and other Utility Boats with latest equipment on board. MW has full facility to train its men in the relevant fields and able to conduct general and technical cadres. Marine Wing PCG has also established Search and Rescue Centre to safe the precious life in distress and to prevent property loss or damage.
Mounted Infantry Troop
AT Coy is based in Korangi with a Training Wing and is responsible for maintaining horses, camels and cattle for use in the field, as well as a dog section. It is commanded by a seconded captain from the Remount, Veterinary and Farm Corps (RV&FC) of the Army.
Roles of PCG
Anti-smuggling
To keep a check on smugglers and stop their activities of smuggling (inbound as well as outbound) through the sea routes. PCG Battalions have special check posts all along the coastal belt and also pickets the threatened areas randomly. In addition, The Intelligence Wing has a network of agents and informers and establish pickets in consultation with Commandants of the PCG Battalions when a potential smuggling activity is reported to take place. PCG has been equipped with modern communication and surveillance equipment; including radars, to perform this task.
Human Trafficking
The Pakistan Coast Guard has in recent years, undertaken greater operations against drug & weapon and even human trafficking/smuggler networks operating in the coastal waters. The Coast Guard has seen recent successes in combating this issue.
Fleet
- Fast Patrol Boats (FPB)s
- Interceptor Boats (IB)s
- Speed Boats
PCG Air Wing
- Jet Ranger Helicopter