The Pakistan Coast Guards held the passing-out parade of its 46th batch of recruits on Wednesday at the organisation’s training center in Korangi, as officials highlighted the force’s expanding role in border security, anti-smuggling operations and development work in remote coastal regions.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, who was received on arrival by Director General Pakistan Coast Guards Major General Jawad Riaz.
Addressing the graduating recruits, Talal Chaudhry praised the Coast Guards for what he described as their “professional” performance in tackling narcotics trafficking, illegal migration and militant activity along Pakistan’s coastline and border regions. He said personnel remained deployed across a vast stretch extending from the coast of Sindh to the remote border areas of Balochistan adjoining Iran.
He said the force had played a significant role in efforts to stabilize Balochistan, where separatist violence and militancy have long challenged state authority and hindered economic development in the resource-rich province. He accused “anti-national elements” of attempting to mislead local youth. He credited the Coast Guards with helping maintain order and improving social and economic conditions in border communities.
According to figures shared during the ceremony, the Coast Guards seized 12,784 tonnes of narcotics over the past year, with an estimated international market value of $1.14bn. Officials said the force also confiscated smuggled goods worth approximately Rs3.8bn and deposited nearly Rs4.94bn into the national treasury under various heads during the same period.
Talal Chaudhry added that around 1,100 undocumented migrants had been arrested last year in the coastal area of Jiwani, near Pakistan’s border with Iran.
Beyond security operations, the minister highlighted welfare initiatives undertaken by the force in underdeveloped areas of Makran and Lasbela, including the renovation of government schools, the establishment of medical camps and support for local fishing communities. He said the Coast Guards had distributed 120 boats and fishing nets to fishermen in Pasni to support livelihoods in the coastal belt.
Speaking to the newly graduated personnel, Talal Chaudhry said they were assuming responsibility for safeguarding both the country’s internal and external frontiers, and urged them to remain prepared for duties in both peace and wartime.
Awards were presented to recruits who excelled during training. Recruit Muhammad Aqeel, who secured first position overall, received the Director General Pakistan Coast Guards’ honorary cane. Recruits Farhad Anwar and Muhammad Mohsin Khan, who secured second and third positions respectively, were awarded medals. Lady recruit Urooj Bibi, who topped among female recruits, was also honoured.
A total of 242 recruits completed training in the 46th batch, including 12 women recruits. The parade was attended by senior military and civil officials, including General Officer Commanding 25 Mechanized Division Major General Adnan, Deputy Director General Sindh Rangers Asad, Brigadier Ali Hasnain Warraich, as well as civilian dignitaries and families of the graduating recruits.
