Pakistan Coast Guard

Pakistan Coast Guard (Urdu: پاک ساحلی فوج) (PCG), is responsible for maritime law, maintenance of seamarks, border control, and other services. It was recently made independent from the navy. It has also upgraded its facilities and fleet to counter the threat of smugglers and terrorists. The PCG has a fleet of 23 small craft but the exact number of personnel assigned to the PCG remains classified.

The PCG Headquarters are at Mohammad Ali Jinnah Road, Saddar, Karachi. It is commanded by a director-general with the rank of brigadier, seconded from the Pakistan Army.

The Organisation

Headquarters

The Headquarters comprises G Branch, AQ Branch, Intelligence Wing, Record Wing, Ordnance Branch, Signals Branch, Headquarters Wing 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:-
*1st Battalion - Othal
*2nd Battalion - Korangi
*3rd Battalion - Gwadar
*4th Battalion - Pasni

The battalions are each subdivided into 3-4 companies (commanded by majors/captains seconded from the Army).

Marine Company

Marine Company is a PCG unit based at Karachi, commanded by a lieutenant commander, seconded from the Navy.

AT Coy

AT Coy (Animal Transport Company) 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

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 picquettes 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.

See also

* Pakistan Navy
* Military of Pakistan
* PNS Behr Paima