KARACHI: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah visited the Sir Creek area on Sunday to observe activities and events of Pakistan Navy’s ongoing Seaspark 2015 exercise.

The area — a disputed territory where navies of India and Pakistan take into custody poor fishermen deemed to be violating international laws — mainly comprises marshes, swamps and unpredictable waterways.

Owing to the intricate nature of the terrain, Sir Creek is being defended by the Pak Marine Force.

While visiting forward posts, Admiral Zakaullah talked to personnel of the Special Services Group (Navy) and Pak Marines deployed there.

He was given a detailed briefing on various operational aspects encompassing tactical planning and execution of plans.

While interacting with the personnel, the naval chief stressed the strategic importance of the area and the role of Pakistan Navy in safeguarding the country’s vital maritime interests.

He expressed his satisfaction on the operational preparedness of the personnel and lauded their professional conduct in carrying out the task of defending the critical borders of the country.

He was accompanied by Commander Coast Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmed and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat.

Seaspark 2015, which began in the north Arabian Sea on Nov 3 after a gap of three years, involves all operational units of the navy, including ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, special forces and marines, along with elements of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Air Force and the army with the aim to corroborate the navy’s operational plans, assess its war preparedness and enhance its interoperability with the PAF and the army.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2015

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