Pakistan Maritime Zones Act, 2023

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THE PAKISTAN MARITIME ZONES ACT, 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
 
1. Short title and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Territorial sea 
4. Internal waters 
5. Historic waters 
6. Right of innocent passage 
7. Contiguous zone 
8. Exclusive economic zone 
9. Continental shelf 
10. Safety zones 
11. Delimitation of maritime boundaries 
12. Publication of charts 
13. Removal of off-shore installations 
14. Prohibition of pollution 
15. Prohibition of dumping 
16. Jurisdiction onboard a foreign ship 
17. Pollution and dumping outside internal waters, contiguous zone, territorial sea or exclusive 
economic zone 
 
18. Seaworthiness of ships to avoid pollution or dumping 
19. Hot pursuit 
20. Foreign warships 
21. Attempt and abetment 
22. Trial of Offences 

 
 
 
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23. Arrest without warrant 
24. Visit and search 
25. Procedure after arrest 
26. Disposal of perishable property 
27. Punishment 
28. Piracy 
29. Punishment for piracy 
30. Armed robbery against ships 
31. Offences by companies 
32. Power to make rules 
33. Delegation 
34. Repeal and savings. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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THE PAKISTAN MARITIME ZONES ACT, 2023 
 
ACT NO. XVIII OF 2023 
 
[26th April, 2023] 
AN 
 
ACT 
 
to consolidate and amend the law relating to territorial sea and maritime zones of Pakistan 
 
WHEREAS it is expedient further to consolidate and amend the law relating to the territorial 
sea and maritime zones of Pakistan and for matters connected therewith and ancillary thereto and to 
give effect to the provisions  of the United Nations  Convention on the Law of the Sea  1982, which 
Pakistan has ratified on the 26th February, 1997; 
 
It is hereby enacted as follows:— 
 
1.  Short title and commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the Pakistan Maritime Zones 
Act, 2023. 
 
(2) It shall come into force at once. 
 
2.  Definitions.—(l) Unless the subject or context provides otherwise,— 
 
(a)  “baseline” means the low water line or where applicable the system of straight 
lines, as notified from time to time in the official Gazette from which  breadth 
of the territorial sea is measured; 
 
(b)  “convention” means the United  Nations Convention on the Law  of the Sea 
(UNCLOS), 1982; 
 
(c)  “Government” or “Federal government” means the Federal Government of the 
Islamic Republic of Pakistan; 
 
(d)  “maritime zones” means the internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone,  
exclusive economic zone, continental shelf and high seas; 
 
(e)  “nautical mile” or “NM” means a unit for measuring distance at sea, equal to 
1852 meters; 
 
(f)  “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act. 
 
(2) The words and expressions used but not defined in these rules shall have the same meanings 
as assigned thereto in the convention. 
 
3.  Territorial sea.—(1) The sovereignty of Pakistan extends to its territorial sea, as well as to 
the air space, over its bed and subsoil. 
 
(2) The breadth of the territorial sea is twelve nautical miles measured from the baseline. 
 
 
 
 
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(3) The baseline from which limits of the territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic 
zone and continental shelf are to be measured  shall be as notified  by the Federal Government in the 
official Gazette. 
 
(4) Where a single island, rock or a composite group thereof constituting a part of the territory 
of Pakistan situated off the main coast, the baseline referred to in sub-section (3) shall be drawn along 
the outer seaward limits of such island, rock or composite group. 
 
4.  Internal waters.—The internal waters of Pakistan shall comprise all waters that are on the 
landward side of the baseline. 
 
5.  Historic waters.—(1) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, 
specify the limits of such waters adjacent to its land territory as the historic waters and bays of Pakistan. 
 
(2) The sovereignty of Pakistan  extends, and has always extended, to the histori c waters of 
Pakistan, to their seabed, subsoil and the airspace over such waters and bays. 
 
6.  Right of innocent passage.—(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of any other law for 
the time being in force and subject to the provisions of sub-section (5) and sub-section (6), all foreign 
ships shall enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 
 
(2) Passage of a foreign ship shall be considered innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the 
peace, good order or security of Pakistan and such passage shall not be considered innocent if the 
foreign ship, while in the territorial sea, engages in any of the following activities, namely:— 
 
(a)  any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political 
independence of Pakistan or in any other manner in violation of the principles 
of international law embodied the charter of the United Nations; 
 
(b)  any exercise or practice with weapons of any kind; 
 
(c)  any act aimed at collecting information to the prejudice of the defence  or 
security of Pakistan; 
 
(d) any act of propaganda aimed at affecting- the defence or security of Pakistan; 
 
(e)  the launching, landing or taking onboard of any aircraft or military device; 
 
(f)  the loading or unloading of any person, commodity, currency or person contrary 
to the customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations of Pakistan; 
 
(g)  any willful act of pollution from vessels, release of toxic or noxious substances 
or dumping of wastes causing or likely to cause, damage or harm to Pakistan or 
its resources or its marine environment; 
 
(h)  any fishing activities; 
 
(i)  the carrying out of research or survey activities; 
 
 
 
 
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(j) any act aimed  at interfering with any system of communication or any other 
facilities or installations of Pakistan; and 
 
(k) any other activity not having a direct bearing on passage. 
 
(3) In exercising the right of innocent passage, a foreign ship shall comply with— 
 
(a)  generally accepted international regulations, procedures and practices for safety 
at sea which have effects on the territorial sea or any part thereof; 
 
(b)  the provisions of the regulations and any enactment, order or direction, which 
have effect in the territorial sea or any part thereof, for or with respect to— 
 
(i)  the safety of navigation and the regulation of maritime traffic, including 
use of sea lanes and the operation of traffic separation schemes; 
 
(ii)  the protection of navigational aids and facilities and other facilities or 
installations including research installations; 
 
(iii)  the protection of cables and pipelines;  
 
(iv)  the conservation of resources of sea;  
 
(v)  fishing and fisheries; 
 
(vi)  the preservation of the marine environment and the prevention, 
reduction and control of pollution thereof; 
 
(vii)  marine scientific research and hydrographic surveys; and 
 
(viii)  control or prohibition in relation to customs, excise, immigration or 
sanitation. 
  
(4) Passage shall be continuous and expeditious, stopping or anchoring shall be permitted only 
in so far as the same are incidental  to ordinary navigation or rendered necessary by force majeure or 
distress or for the purpose of rendering assistance to persons and ships or aircraft in danger or distress. 
 
(5) Foreign warships including submarines and other under water vehicles may enter or pass 
through the territorial sea with the prior permission of the Federal Government. Submarines and other 
under water vehicles shall navigate on the surface and show their flag while passing through such sea. 
 
(6) Foreign super tankers, nuclear powered ships and ships carrying nuclear or other inherently 
dangerous or noxious substances or materials may enter or pass through the territorial sea after giving 
prior notice to the Federal Government, or any authority or person authorized by it in this behalf by 
the Federal Government, and shall carry documents and observe special precautionary measures  
internationally recognized for such ships. 
 
(7) The Federal Government, or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by the 
Federal Government, may in the interest of safety, peace, good order or security  of Pakistan or any 
part thereof, suspend, by notification subject to such exceptions and qualifications, if any, as may be 
 
 
 
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specified in the notification, the entry of all or any class of foreign ships into such areas of the territorial 
sea as may be specified in the notification. 
 
(8) The Federal Government, or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by the 
Federal Government, shall have the right to order an immediate eviction of a foreign warship or other 
foreign government ship operated for non-commercial purposes, that violates the laws or regulations 
of Pakistan while passing through the territorial sea of Pakistan. The flag state of such a ship shall bear 
responsibility for any loss or damage to Pakistan resulting from the non-compliance by such ship with 
the laws and regulations of Pakistan concerning passage through the territorial sea or other generally 
accepted rules of international law. 
  
7.  Contiguous zone.—(1) The contiguous zone of Pakistan, hereinafter referred to as the 
contiguous zone, is an area adjacent to and beyond the territorial sea, the limit of which is twenty-four 
nautical miles measured from the baseline. 
 
(2) The Federal Government, or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by the 
Federal Government, may exercise such pow ers and take such measures  in or in  respect of the 
contiguous zone as it may consider necessary to prevent and punish the contravention of and an attempt 
to contravene any law, for the time being in force, relating to; 
 
(a)  the security of Pakistan; 
 
(b)  immigration and sanitation; 
 
(c)  customs and other fiscal matters; or 
 
(d)  archaeological and historical objects. 
 
(3) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,— 
 
(a)  extend to the contiguous zone any relevant  law for the time being in force in 
Pakistan, or any provision  thereof, relating to any matter referred  to in sub -
section (2); and 
 
(b)  make such provisions,  as it  may consider  necessary, for facilitating the 
enforcement of such law in the contiguous zone. 
 
8. Exclusive economic zone.—(1) The exclusive  economic zone of Pakistan,  hereinafter 
referred to as the exclusive economic zone, is an area beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea, the 
limit of which is two hundred natitical miles from the baseline. 
 
(2) In the exclusive economic  zone including its bed,  subsoil and the superjacent waters,  
Pakistan has— 
 
(a)  sovereign rights for the purpose  of exploration, development, exploitation,  
conservation and management of natural resources both living and non-living 
as well as for producing energy from tides, winds, currents and the sun; 
 
(b)  exclusive rights and jurisdiction for the construction, maintenance or operation 
of artificial islands, off-shore terminals, installations and other  structures and 
 
 
 
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devices necessary for the exploration and exploitation  of the resources of this  
zone or for the safety and convenience of navigation or for any other purpose; 
 
(c)  exclusive rights  and jurisdiction to auth orize, regulate, conduct and  control 
scientific research; 
 
(d)  exclusive jurisdiction to preserve and protect the marine environment and to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution of marine environment; and 
 
(e)  such other rights as are recognized by the international law. 
 
(3) No person or company including a foreign government shall, except under and in 
accordance with the ter ms of any agreement with the Federal Government or a licence  or letter of 
authority issued by the Federal Government, or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf 
by the Federal Government, explore or exploit any recourses of the exclusive economic zone or carry 
out any search  or excavation or conduct  any research  within the exclusive economic  zone or drill 
therein or construct, maintain or operate therein for any of the purposes  whatsoever, any artificial,  
island, off-shore terminal, installation or other structure or device. 
 
(4) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette— 
 
(a)  declare any area of the exclusive economic zone to be a designated area; and 
 
(b)  make such provisions as it may deem necessary with respect to all or any of the 
following matters, namely:  
 
(i)  the exploration, development, exploitation and protection of the 
resources of such designated area; 
 
(ii)  other activities for the economic  exploitation and exploration of such  
designated area, such as the production of energy from tides,  winds, 
currents and the sun; 
 
(iii)  the safety and protection of artificial islands, off-shore term inals, 
installations and other structures and devices in such designated area; 
 
(iv)  the protection of marine environment of such designated area;  
 
(v)  customs and other fiscal matters in relation to such designated area; and 
 
(vi)  the regulation of entry into and passage through the designated area of 
foreign ships by the establishment of fairways,  sea lanes, traffic  
separation schemes or any other mode of ensuring freedom of navigation 
which is not prejudicial to the interest of Pakistan. 
 
(5) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,— 
 
(a)  extend to the whole or any part of the exclusive economic zone any relevant law 
for the time being in force in Pakistan, or any provision thereof; and 
 
 
 
 
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(b)  make such provisions as it may deem necessary for facilitating the enforcement 
of such laws  in the exclusive economic  zone or, as the  case may be, the part 
thereof to which it has been extended. 
 
(6) The provisions of sub -section (6) of section 9 shall apply in relation to  the laying or 
maintenance of submarine cables or pipelines or such other material on the seabed of the exclusive  
economic zone as they apply in relation to the laying or maintenance of submarine cables or pipelines 
or such other material on the seabed of the continental shelf. 
 
(7) in the exclusive economic zone and the air space over the zone, ships and aircraft of all 
states shall, subject to the exercise by Pakistan of its right within the zone, enjoy freedom of navigation 
and the over flight. 
 
9. Continental shelf.—(l) The continental shelf of Pakistan, hereinafter  referred to as the 
continental shelf, comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond the limit 
of the territorial sea of Pakistan throughout the natural prolongation of the land territory of Pakistan to 
the outer limit line comprising fixed points measured three hundred and fifty nautical miles from the 
baseline, declared under sub-section (3) of section 3, as notified  by the Federal Government in the 
official Gazette. 
 
(2) Pakistan has full and exclusive sovereign rights in respect of its continental  shelf 
including,— 
 
(a)  exclusive sovereign rights for the purposes of exploration, development, 
exploitation, conservation and management of all natural resources consisting 
of the mineral and other non-living resources of the seabed and subsoil together 
with living organisms belonging to sedentary species; 
 
(b)  exclusive rights and jurisdiction to authorize,  regulate, conduct  and control  
scientific research; 
 
(c)  exclusive rights and jurisdiction for the construction, maintenance or operation 
of artificial islands,  off-shore terminals, installations and other structures and 
devices necessary for the exploration and exploitation  of the resources of the 
continental shelf, for the convenience of shipping or for any other purpose; and  
 
(d)  exclusive jurisdiction to preserve and protect the marine environment and to 
prevent and control marine pollution. 
 
Explanation.—For the purpose  of this sub -section, the expression “living organisms ” shall 
mean those organisms which at the harvestable stage,  are either immobile on or under the seabed or 
are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil. 
 
(3) No person or company, including a foreign government, shall except  under and in 
accordance with the terms  of any agreement with the Federal Government or a licence  or letter of 
authority issued by the Federal Government or any authority or any person duly authorized in this 
behalf by the Federal Government, explore the continental shelf or exploit its resources or carry out 
any search or excavation  or conduct  any research within the continental shelf or drill  therein or 
construct, maintain or operate therein for any of the purposes whatsoever  any artificial island, off-
shore terminal, installation or other structures or devices. 
 
 
 
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(4) The Federal Government may by notification in the official Gazette,— 
 
(a)  declare any area of the continental shelf to be a designated area; and 
 
(b)  make such provisions as it may deem necessary with respect to all or any of the 
following matters, namely; 
 
(i)  the exploration, development, exploitation and protection of the  
resources of the continental shelf within such designated area; 
 
(ii)  the safety and protection of artificial islands, off-shore terminals, 
installations and other structure and devices in such designated area; 
 
(iii)  the protection of marine environment of such designated area;  
 
(iv)  customs and other fiscal matters in relation to such designated area; and 
 
(v)  the regulation of entry into and passage through the designated area of 
foreign ships by the establishment of fairways,  sealanes, traffic 
separation schemes or any other mode of ensuring freedom of navigation 
which is not prejudicial to the interest of Pakistan. 
 
(5) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,— 
 
(a)  extend to the whole or any part of the continental shelf any relevant law for the 
time being in force in Pakistan, or any provision thereof; and 
 
(b)  make such provisions as it  may consider  necessary for facilitating the 
enforcement of such laws in the continental shelf or, as the case may be, the part 
thereof to which it has been extended. 
 
(6) Subject to any measures that may be necessary for protecting the interests of Pakistan, the 
Federal Government may not impede the laying or maintenance of submarine cables or pipelines or 
such other material on the seabed of the continental shelf by foreign states: 
 
Provided that the consent of the Federal Government shall be necessary for the delineation of 
the course for the laying of such cables or pipelines or such other material. 
 
10.  Safety zones.—(1) The Federal Government may establish safety zones around artificial 
islands, off-shore terminals, installations and other structures,  devices constructed, maintained and 
operated within the internal waters, the territorial sea, the exclusive economic. zone and the continental 
shelf by the Federal  Government or by a person or company  under a licence  issued by the Federal  
Government. 
 
(2) The limits of safety zones mentioned in sub-section (1) shall not exceed a distance of five 
hundred meters around them, measured from each point of their  outer edge except as authorized by 
generally accepted international standards. 
 
(3) All ships, vessels and boats while navigating in the vicinity of the artificial  islands, off-
shore terminals, installations, and other structures and devices shall  comply with the laws and 
 
 
 
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regulations and orders issued by the Federal Government or any authority or person  duly authorized 
in this behalf by the Federal Government for the safety of the navigation and the artificial islands off-
shore terminals, installations other structures and devices. 
 
11.  Delimitation of maritime boundaries.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any 
other law for the  time being in force and any other provision  of this Act, the  delimitation of the 
territorial sea, contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf and other maritime 
zones between Pakistan and any other state whose coast is opposite or adjacent to that of Pakistan shall 
be determined by agreement between Pakistan. and such state. 
 
(2) Every agreement referred to in sub-section (1) shall be published in the official Gazette as 
soon as it enters into force. 
 
12.  Publication of charts.—The Federal Government may cause to be published  in official 
charts the baseline referred to in sub-section (3) of section 3, the boundaries  of the territorial sea, the 
contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf and other maritime boundaries as 
referred to in section 11. 
 
13.  Removal of off-shore installations.—(1) Subject to any action under any other law for 
the time being in force and any other provision of this Act, the Federal Government or any authority 
or a person duly authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government, may direct a person or company 
to remove within the time given by the Federal Government or the authorized person or authorized 
authority, the artificial island, off-shore terminal, installation and other structure or device, constructed, 
maintained or operated or any vessel, aircraft, platform or other man-made structure dumped by that 
person or company in contravention of any provisions of the Act. 
 
(2) In case such person or company mentioned in sub-section (1) fails to remove such artificial 
island, off-shore terminal, installation, vessel,  aircraft, platform  or other structure, the Federal 
Government or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government may 
remove such artificial island, off-shore terminal, installation, vessel, aircraft and any other structure or 
device, at the risk and cost of such person or company. 
 
14.  Prohibition of pollution.—No person, vessel or company shall cause or attempt to cause 
or abet to cause the pollution of marine  environment in the  internal waters, the territorial sea, the 
contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. 
 
Explanation.—For the  purpose of this  section, the expression “pollution of  marine 
environment”, means the introduction by a person, directly or indirectly, of substance or energy into 
the marine environment, including estuaries which result or is likely to result in such deleterious effects 
as harmful to  living resources and marine life, hazardous to human health, hindrance to marine  
activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of sea 
water and reduction of amenities. 
 
15.  Prohibition of dumping.—No person, vessel or company shall cause or attempt to cause 
or abet to cause  the dumping in the internal  waters, the territorial  sea, the contiguous zone, the 
exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf, except under and in accordance with the terms of 
a licence or letter of authority issued by the Federal Government or any other authority or person duly 
authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government. 
 
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the expression “dumping” means,— 
 
 
 
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(a)  any deliberate disposal  of wastes  or other matters from vessels, aircraft,  
platforms or other man-made structures at sea; and 
 
(b)  any deliberate disposal  of vessels,  aircraft, platforms or other man -made 
structures at sea but does not include— 
 
(i)  the disposal of wastes or any other matter incidental to or derived from 
the normal operations of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made 
structures at sea and their equipment, other than wastes or other matters 
transported by or to v essels, aircraft, platforms or other  man-made 
structures at sea operating for the purpose of disposal of such mater or 
derived from the treatment  of such wastes  or other  matters on such 
vessels, aircraft, platforms or structures; 
 
(ii)  placement of matter for a purpose other than the mere disposal thereof, 
provided that such placement is not contrary to any provisions of this 
Act. 
 
16.  Jurisdiction onboard a foreign ship .—(1) Where an offence is committed onboard  a 
foreign ship, being a merchant ship or government ship operated for commercial purposes, during its 
passage through the territorial sea, jurisdiction may be exercised, in relation to such offence, only if; 
 
(a)  the consequences of the offence extends to the territory of Pakistan; 
 
(b)  the offence is of a kind likely to disturb the peace of Pakistan  or good order of 
the territorial sea; 
 
(c)  the assistance of the Federa l Government or any public officer has been 
requested by the master, of the foreign ship or by a diplomatic agent or consular 
officer of the relevant foreign state; or 
 
(d)  it is necessary to exercise jurisdiction for the purpose of suppressing any illicit 
traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or weapons, unauthorized 
broadcasting or any act of piracy and slave trade. 
 
Explanation.—For the purpose of clause (d), the expression “unauthorized broadcasting” 
means the transmission of sound radio or television broadcasts from a ship or installation  in the 
exclusive economic zone or on the high seas intended for reception by the people of Pakistan contrary 
to the international regulations, but excluding the transmission of distress call. 
 
(2) The limitation in sub-section (1) shall not apply in any case where a foreign ship is passing 
through the territorial sea after leaving the internal waters. 
 
(3) Subject to sub-section (1), where a foreign ship proceeding from a port outside Pakistan is 
passing through the territorial sea without having entered internal waters, jurisdiction may be exercised 
in relation to any offence committed before the ship entered the territorial sea, onboard the ship during 
the passage only if— 
 
(a)  there are grounds for believing that the ship has, in the exclusive economic zone 
or the continental shelf, committed a violation of— 
 
 
 
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(i)  any provision of law of Pakistan applicable in the exclusive economic 
zone and  the continental shelf for  exploration or exploitation  of the 
natural resources whether living or non-living; 
 
(ii)  any provision of law of Pakistan and any i nternational rule or standard 
applicable in the exclusive economic zone or the continental shelf; or 
 
(iii)  any provision of the regulations or any enactment conforming  to and 
giving effect to any such rules and standards; 
 
(b)  there are reasonable grounds for believing that violation has resulted in a 
substantial discharge causing or threatening significant pollution of the marine  
environment; or 
 
(c)  there is clear evidence that violation has resulted in a substantial discharge  
causing major damage or threat of major damage to the coastline of Pakistan or 
to any resources of its territorial sea or exclusive economic zone or continental 
shelf. 
 
17.  Pollution and dumping outside internal waters, contiguous zone, territorial sea or 
exclusive economic zone.—(1) When a foreign ship which voluntarily within a port or at an off-shore 
terminal of Pakistan has caused marine pollution or dumping as defined in sections 14 and 15, outside 
the internal waters, the territorial sea or the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf, which 
has caused or is likely to cause  pollution in the internal waters,  the territorial sea or the exclusive 
economic zone, the master and the person in charge of such ship shall be deemed to have committed 
the offence liable for the punishment under section 27. 
 
(2) The owner and agent of the ship mentioned in sub-section (1) shall also be deemed to have 
committed the offence liable for punishment under section 27 unless he proves that the offence was 
committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of 
that offence. 
 
18.  Seaworthiness of ships to avoid pollution or dumping.—When the Federal Government, 
or any authority or person duly authorized in this be half by the Federal  Government, has reasons to 
believe that a foreign ship within  one of the ports or at one of the off-shore terminals of Pakistan, in 
violation of generally accepted international  rules and standards  relating to seaworthiness of  such 
ships, is likely to cause pollution or dumping as defined in sections 14 and 15, in the internal waters, 
the territorial sea or the contiguous zone or the exclusive economic zone or the continental shelf, the 
Federal Government, or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by that Government, 
may as far as practicable take administrative measures to prevent such ship  from sailing and may 
permit such ship to proceed only to the nearest appropriate repair yard and upon removal of the causes 
of the violations may permit the ship to continue immediately. 
 
19. Hot pursuit .—(1) When the Federal Government, or any authority or person  duly 
authorized in this behalf by the Federal  Governknent, has reason to believe  that a foreign ship has 
violated the laws or regulations of Pakistan, it or he may undertake the hot pursuit for the arrest of that 
ship. 
 
 
 
 
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(2) Hot pursuit commences when the foreign ship or one of its boats or other craft working as 
a team and using the ship pursued as a mother ship is within the limits of the internal waters, territorial 
sea or contiguous zone of Pakistan. 
 
(3) If the foreign ship is in the contiguous zone of Pakistan, the hot pursuit may be undertaken 
if there has been a violation of the laws or regulations for which the zone was established. 
 
(4) As long as the hot pursuit is not interrupted, it may continue outside the territorial sea, the 
contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the  continental shelf as the case may be. The hot 
pursuit ceases as soon as the ship  pursued enters the territorial sea of its own country or of a third  
country. The right of hot pursuit shall be exercised by warships or military aircraft of Pakistan, or by 
ships or aircraft clearly marked and identifiable as being on Federal Government service and duly 
authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government or any authority or person duly authorized by the 
Federal Government. 
 
(5) In case of violations of laws or regulations applicable in the exclusive economic zone or on 
the continental shelf, the hot pursuit may commence when the ship pursued or one of it boats using the 
ship pursued as a mother ship, is within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf 
as the case may be. 
 
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section,— 
 
(a)  the expression “warship” includes all ships of the  Pakistan Navy and the 
Pakistan Maritime Security Agency; and 
 
(b)  the expression “military aircraft” includes an aircraft of the Pakistan Army, 
Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. 
 
20.  Foreign warships.—A foreign warship and other state owned ships used and operated by 
the government thereof for non-commercial purposes shall not be arrested or taken into custody under 
any provision of this Act. In such cases, a written report shall be submitted immediately to the Federal 
Government or any authority or person duly authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government. 
 
Explanation.—For the  purpose of this section, the expression “warship” means a ship 
belonging to the armed  forces of a State  bearing the external  marks distinguishing such  ship of its 
nationality, under the command of an officer duly commissioned by that state and whose name appears 
in the appropriate service list or its equivalent and manned  by a crew which is under regular armed 
forces discipline. 
 
21.  Attempt and abetment.—Whoever attempts to contravene or abets the contravention of 
any provision of this Act shall be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this Act and rules 
made thereunder. 
 
22.  Trial of Offences.—(1) Unless otherwise provided under the provisions of this Act, any 
person committing an offence under the provisions of this Act shall be punishable under section 27 or 
under any of the laws extended under this Act and shall be tried by a Court of Sessions designated by 
the Federal Government in consultation with Chief Justice of the High Court of the respective province, 
in this behalf. 
 
 
 
 
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(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of the Pakistan Maritime Sectirity Agency Act, 1994 
(X of 1994), no proceedings  shall be initiated under this Act except on a complaint in writing to the 
competent Court of Sessions made by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency or Pakistan Navy. 
 
23.  Arrest without warrant.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal 
Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898), any person who contravenes any provisions of this Act may be arrested 
without warrant by the commanding officer of a ship, vessel or boat of the Pakistan  Navy and the 
Pakistan Maritinie Security Agency, not below the rank of lieutenant. The arresting officer may also 
take into custody any ship, vessel, boat, equipment and gear used and any artificial island, off-shore 
terminal, installation, structure and device constructed, maintained  and operated  and any property  
acquired, possessed or disposed of in contravention of any provision of this Act. 
 
24.  Visit and search.—For the purposes of this section, the commanding officer may board 
or send a boarding party to any ship or vessel suspected of being used or any artificial island, off-shore 
terminal installation or any  other structure or device suspected of being constructed, maintained or 
operated in contravention of any provisions of this Act for investigation, inspec tion, search and 
checking documents. 
 
25.  Procedure after arrest .—The officer making an arrest under section 23  shall, without 
unnecessary delay, take or produce the person arrested before the officer in charge of the police station 
or the court, having jurisdiction in  the case and thereupon the provisions of the Code of Criminal 
Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898), relating to investigation of cognizable offences and trial before the Court 
of Sessions, shall apply. 
 
26.  Disposal of perishable property.—In case any property taken into custody under section 
23 is a perishable item, the same may be disposed  of under orders of the court having jurisdiction in 
the ease and if it is sold, its value shall be treated as property taken into custody under that section. 
 
27.  Punishment.—(1) Whoever contravenes any provision of this Act or any rule, regulation 
or notification made or issued thereunder shall,  without prejudice to any other action whi ch may be 
taken against such person under any other provision of this Act or of any other law for the time being 
in force be punishable by imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine or with 
both. 
 
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of any other law for the time being in force, any ship, vessel, 
boat, equipment and gear and any artificial island, off-shore terminal, installation and other structure 
or device used for commission of the offence and any property acquired, possessed or disposed of in 
commission of an offence under this Act shall be forfeited to the Federal Government. 
 
28.  Piracy.—A person commits piracy, if he commits any one or more of the following acts, 
namely: — 
 
(a)  any illegal act of violence or detention, depredation, committed for private ends 
by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft  and 
directed.— 
 
(i)  against another ship or aircraft or against persons  or property onboard  
such ship or aircraft; or 
 
 
 
 
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(ii)  against a ship, aircraft, persons or property on high seas or in a place 
outside the jurisdiction of any state; and 
 
(b)  any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with 
knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft; 
 
(c)  any act of abetting or inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act specified in 
clauses (a) or (b). 
 
29. Punishment for piracy.—Whoever commits piracy shall be punishable with imprisonment 
which may extend to ten  years and if, while committing the offence,  commits murder shall also be 
liable to imprisonment for life or with death. 
 
30.  Armed robbery against ships.—Whoever, by any unlawful act of violence or detention 
or any act of depredation or threat thereof, other than act of piracy, directed against the ship or against 
persons or property onboard a ship in the  territorial sea, commits or attempts to commit the armed 
robbery against ships shall be liable to punishment under section 27. 
 
31. Offences by companies.—Where an offence punishable under section  27 has been 
committed by a company, any person who, at the time the offence was committed, was  in charge of 
and was responsible to the company  for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the 
company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded  against and 
punished accordingly, provided that nothing contained in this section shall render any such  person 
liable to any punishment provided in this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his 
knowledge or that he exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. 
 
32.  Power to make rules.—(1) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official 
Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. 
 
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may 
provide for all or any of the following Matters namely:— 
 
(a)  regulation of the conduct of any person in the territorial sea, contiguous zone, 
the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf or any other maritime  zone 
of Pakistan; 
 
(b)  regulation of the exploration, development, exploitation, conservation  and 
management of the resources of the contiguous zone, the continental shelf and 
exclusive economic zone; 
 
(c)  regulation of the construction, maintenance and operation of artificial islands, 
off-shore terminals, installations and other structures and devices; 
 
(d)  preservation and protection of the marine environment and prevention, 
reduction and control of marine pollution; 
 
(e)  authorization, regulation and control of the  conduct of marine  scientific 
research; 
 
(f)  fees in relation to licences and letters of authority; 
 
 
 
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(g)  any matter  relating to implementation of the convention  and other such 
conventions; and 
 
(h)  any matter incidental to any of the matters specified in this Act, 
 
33.  Delegation.—The federal Government may,  by notification in the official  Gazette and 
subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification, direct that all or any of its powers 
under this Act or rules made thereunder shall also be exercisable by an authority or officer subordinate 
to it or by a provincial government or any authority or officer subordinate to it. 
 
34.   Repeal and savings.—(1) The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (LXXXII 
of 1976) is hereby repealed. 
 
(2) Everything done and all actions, liabilities or proceedings commenced or power conferred, 
rules made and notifications issued, under any provision  of the said repealed  Act shall continue  in 
force and be deemed to have been respectively done, taken, incurred, commenced, appointed, 
authorized, conferred, made or issued under this Act. 
 
 
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         RGN. Dated: - 05-09-2025