Pakistan militarises Sir Creek, defies India’s warning: Increased troop deployment, airstrips and cantonments

File image used for representational purpose.

A day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s stern warning, new intelligence and naval assessments accessed by CNN-News18 reveal that Pakistan is aggressively fortifying its presence in the disputed Sir Creek region of south-east Sindh. The build-up includes new military complexes, mini-cantonments, emergency airstrips, and an expanded deployment of ground, naval, and air assets.

On Thursday, Singh cautioned Islamabad that any attempt to alter the status quo would be met with a “decisive response that can alter both history and geography.” His remarks came amid rising concerns that Pakistan is using Sir Creek as a springboard for military expansion in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor.

According to Pakistani fishermen quoted by CNN-News18, nearly 150 square kilometres of territory around Sir Creek is now under the direct control of the Pakistan Army. Civilians are barred from entering without explicit military clearance. This clampdown underscores how the Pakistani military has tightened its grip on the area while boosting troop numbers and naval patrols.

Deployment of new creek battalions

Intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that Islamabad has raised four additional creek battalions under the Sindh Regiment. This brings the total number of battalions deployed in and around Sir Creek to six.

The 31st creek battalion was deployed at Sujawal district headquarters in 1999. The 32nd was placed at Gharo in Thatta district in 2019, followed by the 33rd in Badin district in 2021. In 2025, Pakistan added two more: the 34th at Jaati and the 35th at Keti Bunder.

“All battalions have infantry and amphibious strength and power. All creek battalions have full back up support of Pakistan Navy and Sindh Pakistan Rangers. Pakistan has boosted air defence systems and air power,” the sources said.

Joint command with Chinese support

Another major shift came in 2021 when Pakistan, with Chinese assistance, set up a joint military, naval, and air force command specifically for Sir Creek operations. Sources confirmed that Beijing’s technology was used to equip the region with advanced radar systems, AWACS aircraft, air defence missiles, and Lockheed P-3 Orion surveillance planes.

“Most of the latest radars, AWACS, air defense missiles and Lockheed P-3 Orion deployed have been developed with Chinese technology,” sources told CNN-News18.

The Bholari forward airbase and Indian strikes

Pakistan also built the Bholari forward airbase in 2017 to secure Chinese projects in south-east Sindh, particularly the Thar coal project, while positioning itself against what it calls the “Indian threat.”

“Bholari base was damaged during Operation Sindoor strikes in May 2025. Pakistani Airforce has enhanced Bholari Air Base’s air security with latest air defense systems. More squadrons of JF-17 and J-10C deployed too after Indian strikes in May 2025,” sources revealed.

Expanding naval presence in Sir Creek

In addition to the ground and air buildup, Pakistan’s Navy has established six marine security posts between Bandha Dhora and Harami Dhoro in the Sir Creek river system.

“Dozens of coastal defense boats, marine assault crafts, naval ships, and patrolling speedboats are deployed in Sir Creek and the Arabian Sea for deterrence. China is facilitating Pakistan in air and naval power rapidly,” sources told CNN-News18.

India’s concerns remain clear

The developments highlight Pakistan’s deepening military dependence on China and its attempts to militarise a disputed zone at a time of already heightened tensions with India. By turning Sir Creek into a forward military outpost, Islamabad appears to be challenging both international norms and India’s security red lines.

For New Delhi, Singh’s warning reflects growing unease that Pakistan is deliberately escalating its presence in the area, even as it struggles with internal instability and diplomatic isolation.

The Sir Creek buildup, far from projecting strength, signals Pakistan’s desperation to retain strategic leverage against India through Chinese-backed militarisation.