(1) The Agency shall be responsible for the regulation and protection of the maritime interests of Pakistan and to assert and enforce national jurisdiction and sovereignty in the Maritime Zones. 

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the functions of the Agency shall be to-

(a) prevent unautorised exploitation of any economic resources by any person, agency, vessel or device within the Maritime Zones; 

(b) protect Pakistani fishing vessels and crew against any threat, instrusions or interference within the Maritime Zones; 

(e) enforce the -national and international laws, agreements and conventions on and under the water in the Maritime Zones; 

(d) assist and coordinate search and rescue for the vessels, property and lives in distress and render such assistance which may be necessary in any emergency in the Maritime Zones and on high seas; 

(e) assist other departments and agencies of the Government to maintain and preserve the quality of marine life and to prevent and control the effects of marine disasters including marine pollution in and around the ports, harbours, coastal areas, estuaries and other areas of Maritime Zones; 

(f) assist and co-ordinate with national and international agencies in hydrographic and oceanographic research, navigation, weather reporting and other scientific activities in the Maritime Zones; 

(g) assist other departments and agencies of the Government in safe guarding and protecting artificial islands, offshore terminal. installa tions and other structures and devices in the -Maritime Zones; 

(h) provide assistance for petroleum exploration and production in the Maritime Zones; 

(i) render assistance to other agencies in acquisition of mineral exploration, seismic studies and assessment data in the Maritime Zones;

(j) cooperate with, and provide assistance to Customs. Coast Guards and other departments, agencies and authorities in Maritime Zones in the discharge of their duties and functions;

(k) provide an effective secondary maritime force for deployment in any emergency, war or conflict; and 

(l) perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Federal Government from time to time, to protect maritime interests of Pakistan.