Islamabad: Pakistan Navy SEALs participated in counter-terrorism drills at PNS Qasim, Manora on Monday. The demonstration was part of the multinational maritime exercise Aman-21 in the North Arabian Sea in which more than 40 countries including the US, UK, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other Arab, African, Asian and European countries are participating with their ships, aircraft and special operation forces.
The counter-terrorism drills demonstrated the strength and specialised skills of Pakistan’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) to respond to potential threats such as terrorism, piracy and other crimes threatening maritime security and stability. The demonstration by the Special Forces and thrilling display by Pakistan Navy paratroopers with the flags of the countries participating in the exercise was witnessed by Pakistan’s top military officials as well as foreign navy officials, observers and diplomats.
Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza lauded the professionalism of the naval forces and said that the Exercise Aman-21 “will promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.”
Meetings with foreign navy officials
During the five-day (February 11-16) exercise, Pakistan’s Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi held meetings with the visiting officials including Deputy Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Ahmed Bin Mohammad, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Rear Admiral Curt Renshaw, Deputy Chief of Russian Navy Rear Admiral Oleg Apishev, Commander of Royal Jordanian Naval Force Col Hisham Khaleel Mubarak Al Jarrah, Flag Officer Commanding of Sri Lankan Fleet Rear Admiral YMGB Jayathilake, Commander of Djibouti Coast Guard Col Waiss Omar Bogoreh, Director of Naval Operations Centre Iraq Brigadier Wael Abdul Mohsin Shayyin, Deputy Hydrographer of Nigerian Navy Commodore Sunday Daniel as well as officials from Palestine, Brazil and other countries.
Defence collaboration and maritime security dynamics were discussed during the meetings, the official statement said. Pakistan Navy chief thanked the foreign officials for participation in Aman-21 to enhance collaborative efforts for peace and maritime security in the region. He also highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initiatives for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and regular engagements with other countries.
Maritime conference focused on blue economy
The 9th international maritime conference by National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) is also part of the Aman-21. National and international maritime experts discussed the development of blue economy, opportunities for regional cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region during the summit. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi also attended the summit. FM Qureshi praised Pakistan Navy for spearheading efforts for the development of the blue economy besides ensuring peace and order at sea individually and in collaboration with regional and extra-regional navies.
