ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, visited the forward posts in the Creeks Area to assess operational preparedness and combat readiness.
The visit comes at a time when India is conducting a major tri-service exercise from the entire region of Rajasthan to the disputed Sir Creeks.
Addressing officers and personnel, CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf, said the Pakistan Navy is the vanguard of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and a significant stakeholder in regional maritime security. The CNS further stated that the Pakistan Navy is the vanguard of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and a significant stakeholder in regional maritime security. “We know how to defend our sovereignty and every inch of our maritime frontiers from Sir Creek to Jiwani,” he added. The naval chief reassured the nation that the Pakistan Navy’s defence capabilities remain as strong as its unwavering morale, from the shores to the sea.
During the visit, three state-of-the-art 2400 TD Hovercraft were inducted into the Pakistan Marines, marking a significant step in modernizing the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities. The visit of the Pakistan Naval Chief to the Creeks Area comes at a time when India is preparing to launch its large-scale tri-services military exercise, ‘Ex Trishul’, along the western border with Pakistan from October 30 to November 10. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will participate in close coordination.
The Indian Army Southern Command is set to have a pivotal role, conducting integrated operations across the challenging terrains of the creeks and desert sectors, while also testing amphibious capabilities along the Saurashtra coast.
The exercises are being held in the backdrop of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s threats to Pakistan regarding the disputed Sir Creek area, saying the route to Karachi goes from the Creeks. Also Bihar elections are scheduled to be held at the same time. Together, the developments fall in the shadow of the botched-up Op Sindoor in May 2025.