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Wednesday February 12, 2025

‘Growing global participation in AMAN reflects confidence in Pakistan Navy’

By Salis bin Perwaiz
February 05, 2025
Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, speaks during a press conference ahead of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-25, in Karachi on February 4, 2025. — AFP
Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, speaks during a press conference ahead of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-25, in Karachi on February 4, 2025. — AFP   

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, on Tuesday emphasised that the growing global participation in the multinational maritime exercise AMAN reflects the international community’s confidence in the Pakistan Navy’s role in collaborative maritime security.

Holding a media briefing for AMAN, scheduled to be conducted from February 7 to February 11, Munib said that this confidence has led to yet another milestone: the introduction of the first AMAN Dialogue, which would be conducted alongside the AMAN 2025 exercise.

He highlighted that with the evolving global landscape shifting from geo-politics to geo-economics, the security of global sea-borne trade and energy routes has gained unprecedented importance.

He said the Indian Ocean Region faces a range of challenges, from traditional security threats to non-traditional risks. These multifaceted issues have broadened the scope of maritime security, compelling nations to re-evaluate their strategies and policies, he added.

He also said Pakistan recognises that no single country can address the complex challenges at sea alone. In this context, the Pakistan Navy took the initiative to launch the biennial AMAN in 2007 under the slogan ‘Together for Peace’, he added.

Munib said that the primary objective of this exercise is to bring maritime nations together to adopt safe and sustainable procedures, share experiences and collectively address maritime threats. Over the years, AMAN has evolved in terms of its objectives and scope, he added.

He said that the first AMAN exercise, which primarily focused on counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations, was attended by 28 countries. Over time, the scope and participation of the exercise expanded, ultimately paving the way for doctrinal synergy to counter emerging maritime challenges, he added.

He pointed out that the latest edition of the exercise would see participation of over 60 countries, with ships, aircraft, special operations forces, EOD marine teams and observers.

He also said the exercise is divided into two phases: harbour and sea: the harbour phase (February 7 to February 9) would include various activities such as seminars, operational discussions, professional demonstrations, international gatherings and sports fixtures.

The sea phase (February 10 and February 11) will feature tactical manoeuvres and maritime security exercises, including anti-piracy and counterterrorism operations, search and rescue drills, and live firing exercises, he added.

He also pointed out that the highlight of the sea phase would be the International Fleet Review, which would be witnessed by both foreign and national dignitaries. Munib said the AMAN Dialogue would bring together chiefs of navies, coast guards and defence forces to exchange views on shared global and regional maritime issues.

“It will serve as a platform for adopting innovative solutions to address the ever-evolving challenges at sea. In essence, the AMAN Dialogue will merge intellectual discourse with real-time practical experiences in the maritime domain.”

He said AMAN 2025 would play a vital role in enhancing maritime security and strengthening Pakistan’s position as a key maritime player, capable of contributing to regional and global peace and shared prosperity while safeguarding its sea lines of communication and economic interests.