Pakistan Marines Facilities

Marine Training Centre is equipped with modern training aid facilities to facilitate the conduct of various basic and advance level courses. Training aids include Computer Lab, Library, Gymnasium, Assault course, Watercrafts, models of weapons and instructional movies.

PNS QASIM. The depot or the logistic base for the Marines which is responsible for general administration and logistics requirements. PNS QASIM is a versatile unit having large ambit of roles/tasks, which encompasses:

• Act as logistics base for Marines.
• Operational readiness of all segments of Marines.
• Defence of designated operational area in Creek.
• Provision of security coverage to VA/VPs of PN and sensitive projects of national importance.
• Aid to civil power and rendering of assistance in case of natural calamities.
• Provision of Air Defence cover to designated PN units and Karachi complex through deployment of Mistral Missiles and Air Defence Balloons.
• Responsible for conduct of basic and mid career course for Marines.
• Maintain liaison with other PN and Army Institutions for coordinating various courses of instructions.
• Supervision/career management of Marines.
• Ceremonial duties.

MANORA FORT - THE HOME OF PAK MARINES

Manora Fort is located at Manora Island in the west of Karachi. This fabulous infrastructure is home of Pak Marines, which was erected by Mir Karam Ali Talpur, the then ruler of SINDH in 1797, to command the entrance of the harbour and its defence. On 1st Feb 1839, a naval force under the command of R/Adm Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland onboard H. M. S. Wellesley arrived from Bombay to seize the fort. The capture of the fort was affected on 2nd Feb 1839.

This infrastructure has the typical characteristics of a fort of medieval time. Its outer landward boundary was protected by a moat, which alongwith steep cliff on the other side served as a deterrent for marauding armies. Additionally, all the concrete entrances to the fort area were protected by steel doors. Slits for firing and protection, sentry posts and pillboxes exist all around the fort at strategic locations to counter soldiers attempting to storm the fort. The most interesting feature of the fort is that about two thirds of the structures are underground which include magazines, Shelters and other operational areas Nearly all these areas are interconnected by an under ground labyrinth of tunnels.

The fort due to its strategic location has remained a centre of military activity ever since its existence. During the mid and later part of the 19th century, the British deployed various calibre guns which included 10, 9, 7.5 and 6 inches guns. The 6 inches guns were last used in 1971 war with India and still stand today in their original emplacements. The Fort has a unique distinction of being home to various military organisations which include the Royal Army, Royal Navy, 1st Indian Coastal Battery, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pak Marines. It also served as a Polish refugee camp.