KARACHI: The opening ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s major maritime exercise Seaspark-22 was held here on Thursday.

The exercise, held biennially, is steered to assess war preparedness and validate the operational plans of Pakistan Navy against the envisaged threat spectrum, especially in the maritime domain. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi was the chief guest.

Presenting an overview of the exercise, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf in his opening remarks emphasised that challenges of grey-hybrid warfare and contemporary geo-strategic environment necessitated adroit response by Pakistan Navy. He also highlighted factors impinging upon the type and character of the warfare in contemporary environments warranting continuous appraisal of the environment and reassessment of own plans.

He affirmed that the PN remained combat ready and fully cognisant of its responsibility to safeguard national maritime interests during peace and war times. He stressed that Exercise Seaspark-22 will provide impetus to Pakistan’s resolve of maintaining peace and stability by promoting a safe and sustainable maritime environment in the region.

The exercise will be conducted in the Arabian Sea along the Pakistan coast. All naval platforms/assets of Pakistan Navy, Special Forces and Pakistan Marines detachments along with other elements of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force will participate in the exercise.

The exercise is being attended by representatives of the ministries of defence, maritime affairs, interior and national security division.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2022