Pakistan has always been an ardent supporter of regional peace and collaborative security. As a torch bearer of this unflinching resolve, Pakistan Navy is spearheading numerous initiatives, and conduct of series of Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN is one of the quantum leaps towards the fulfillment of this shared vision along with global partners. Pakistan Navy has been hosting Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN biennially since 2007 which has a global outlook. With AMAN Exercise Pakistan Navy seeks to enhance interoperability between regional and extra regional navies as a means of promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. This Exercise also provides a unique training opportunity to develop and practice response tactics which helps participants foster and sustain the mutual relationships that are conducive to ensuring the safe and secured sea lanes on the ‘s oceans.
Exercise AMAN-19 was conducted by Pakistan Navy from 08-12 Feb19 at Karachi which was 6th of Multinational Exercise AMAN series. Navies from 46 countries participated along with ships, aircraft, SOF/ EOD/ Marines Teams and observers in this exercise. The Exercise was conducted in two phases the harbour phase spanned from 08-10 Feb and the sea phase from 11-12 Feb 19. The harbour phase comprised Flag Hoisting Ceremony, International Maritime Conference, seminars, table talks, cross ships visits, calls on, International Band Display and Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration. Whereas, the sea phase included practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during harbour phase. The Exercise was planned with focused objectives, which include:
o Project positive image of Pakistan as a country contributing towards regional peace and stability.
o Consolidate Pakistan Navy’s position in the regional maritime arena.
o Enhance interoperability with regional and extra regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions.
o Display of united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.
President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff issued special messages on the occasion.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed in his message that threats to maritime security increasingly emanate from contemporary asymmetric challenges that have deeply impacted the maritime environment. There is a strong realization that given the vast expanse of oceans and an array of maritime threats, preserving maritime order in the global commons, necessitates collaborative efforts as a matter of compulsion rather than choice. Pakistan is a firm believer in collaborative maritime security and has taken a number of initiatives in this regard. Regional Maritime Security Patrols is one such initiative of Pakistan Navy to fulfill international obligations besides protection of own national interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). RMSP is focused on establishing maritime patrols along the vital choke points and important waterways of IOR to ensure good order at sea.
The Naval Chief further added that Pakistan Navy has also been a forerunner in the quest for collaborative security. AMAN series of exercises effectively built on this concept. It is a matter of pride to see flags and ensigns of over forty-six Navies fluttering together as an embodiment of Exercise motto, “Together for Peace”. Chief of the Naval Staff showed his satisfaction and said, “I am certain that the camaraderie generated herein will continue to grow and bring us even closer to the cherished goal of realizing regional peace and shared prosperity”.
As a curtain raiser, Pakistan Navy organized a media brief on 7 Feb 19 at Pakistan Navy Fleet Headquarters, Karachi to apprise the representatives of media regarding contours and objectives of the Exercise AMAN-19. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi presided over the media brief which was attended by a large number of media reps. Commander Pakistan Fleet also responded the questions of the media reps after the brief.
Multinational Exercise AMAN 19 formally commenced on 08 Feb 19 at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, with a colorful flag hoisting ceremony. Ships of the participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and a large number of Pakistan Navy officers and men attended the event. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the occasion as Chief Guest whereas Chief of Romanian Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D. and Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lt General Edzai Absalom Tafadzwa Chanyuka Chimonyo attended the ceremony as Guests of Honour.
During the ceremony, the Message of Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also read out. Speaking on the occasion, Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi warmly welcomed the august participating nations for a common resolve “Together for Peace”. Admiral emphasized that we can work together, keeping our differences aside, to defeat our common adversaries. These adversaries pose threats like piracy, terrorism, drug-trafficking, gun-running and human smuggling; and greater adversary is the climate change which calls for a growing need to respond to it collectively.
A Flag hoisting ceremony of participating Special Operations Forces (SOF) was also held separately at Pakistan Navy Unit PNS IQBAL, which was graced by Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani as Chief Guest.
During the harbour phase, in tandem, three-day International Maritime Conference was also conducted at Karachi. The three-day International Maritime Conference was organized on the theme of” Global Geopolitics in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region” under the auspices of National Institute of Maritime Affairs. The Conference was organized on following objectives.
o Examine dynamics of global geo-politics and its implications for IOR.
o Share knowledge and perspectives on socio-economic strategies in the Indian Ocean.
o Suggest collaborative frameworks for pursuance of shared goals and responsibilities amongst maritime stakeholders.
o Highlight measures that can lead to peaceful coexistence, prosperity and secure maritime environment in the Region.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi graced the Opening Session as chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also present on the occasion. While addressing the audience, the Chief Guest underscored the importance of Blue Economy and effective use of Ocean resources as key to Pakistan’s future. He stated that Indian Ocean acts as a strategic gateway for food, maritime transportation and energy supplies to the world and the presence of major powers in IOR, signifies its importance under a complex security environment. Appreciating the role of Pakistan Navy, the President said that the collaborative maritime security engagements with regional and extra-regional navies in the form of “AMAN-19 signify Pakistan’s resolve and commitment towards global peace and prosperity. Pakistan as an important regional player wishes to work in harmony and collaboration with all regional countries for the common objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity for the people of the region.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his opening remarks highlighted the significant role being played by Pakistan Navy in the sustenance of peace and stability in IOR. The Naval Chief added that Pakistan has always been an ardent supporter of maritime cooperation, and being the pioneer partner of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) task forces CTF150 and CTF 151, Pakistan has been the largest regional contributor to these constructs in terms of men and material. On our national front, Pakistan has commenced Regional Maritime Security Patrols which aims to maintain security posture in critical sea areas and choke points in the Indian Ocean.
In his welcome address, Director General National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Vice Admiral (Retd) Syed Khawar Ali Shah presented a brief resume including the objectives of International Maritime Conference. In addition, Mr. David N. Griffiths, Research Fellow Centre for the Study of Security and Development at Dalhouse University Canada, presented Keynote address on “Security Myths and Paradigm Traps: Strategic Thinking for the 21st Century”.
The inaugural session was followed by two academic sessions on the 1stday in which various international and national scholars along with academia from Canada, China, Russian, Iran, Maldives, Sri Lanka presented their papers.
Maritime security challenges and opportunities remained in focus on the second day of Conference. The 1st and 2nd sessions of 2nd day were graced by Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Dr. Masuma Hasan Chairman Pakistan Institute of International Affairs as Chief Guests respectively. Whereas, Lt General Afgan Taghiyev Veli Chief of Coast Guard State Border Service Azerbaijan and Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D. Chief of Romanian Naval Forces attended as Guests of Honour.
During the first session of the 2nd day, Admiral William Owens Former Vice Chairman United States Joint Chief of Staff stressed upon the significance of global navies for facilitating peace and cooperation among nations. Senior Captain Shao Shuguang, Commander Task Force, PLA (N) China expressed his desire to keep the Indian Ocean stable in wake of non-traditional security threats at sea where interests of multiple stakeholders converge. The speaker was followed by Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq, Commander Karachi who highlighted about contemporary Maritime Security challenges from Pakistan’s perspective. Last speaker of the first session was Rear Admiral Mehmet Cen Okyay, Commander of Turkish North Task Group who added that freedom of high seas is the core principle for maritime commerce and shipping.
Following session of the 2nd day was themed on Maritime Dynamics of the Western Indian Ocean Region. Eminent speakers included Dr. Christian Bueger, Professor at Copenhagen University, Denmark who emphasized upon the need for security architecture in the Western Indian Ocean for a sustainable and stable future. Dr. Syed Riffat Hussain, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) added that the scope of sea borne trade has expanded to new folds due combined effects of globalization and technological changes. The distinguished scholar Bhagya Senaratne, Lecturer at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka stated that Indian Ocean is one of the busiest shipping routes of the globe that presently being confounded by distrust.
In the last session of the 2nd day of the Conference, Dr. Nazery Khalid, Head of Group Corporate, Boustead Heavy Industries, Malaysia was the keynote speaker who explicated opportunities for development of a blue economy in the Indian Ocean littorals. He was followed by Vice Admiral (R) lftikhar Ahmed who was of the opinion that CPEC will make Gwadar an unparalleled hub of economic activities. Dr. Aneel Salman, Head of Business Management Program, COMSAT, presented a paper on sustainable oceanic economic growth strategy for Pakistan. The last speaker was Mr. Irfan Rahim, Director Special Projects at International Maritime Organization (IMO) who appreciated Pakistan’s Navy efforts in ensuring maritime security of Global Common in Indian Ocean Region. He not only highlighted Pakistan Navy’s Maritime Security Initiative of establishing Regional Maritime Security Patrol but also appreciated Pakistan Navy’s contribution in fighting transnational crime out at sea.
The concluding session of IMC was held on 11 Feb 19. Federal Minister for Defence, Mr. Pervez Khattak was the Chief Guest of the event. Addressing the audience the Defence Minister stated that the current maritime threats and emerging geo-Strategic situation is posing new challenges and risks to the stakeholders in the Region. The situation will provide constructive dialogue and develop collective mechanism. The Conference has provided a platform to the scholars as well as practitioners to deliberate on the contemporary maritime challenges and share understanding of the dynamics in the maritime domain. The Defence Minister expressed his confidence that the conference deliberations and its valuable recommendations would provide insight to maritime stakeholders for effective policy making. He also thanked all the guests, panelists and dignitaries and congratulated National Institute of Maritime Affairs for successful conduct the conference.
In the context of CPEC, the Defence Minister added that amongst the recent maritime development in our region, China Pakistan Economic Corridor is rightfully considered a Game Changer, not only for Pakistan but for the economic well-being and prosperity of the entire region. With the progress of CPEC and Gwadar port, maritime activities would increase manifold, especially in the Western Indian Ocean. The responsibilities of Pakistan Navy would also increase for maintaining a secure maritime environment for smooth flow of sea trade.
Vice Admiral (Retd) Syed Khawar Ali Shah, Director General National Institute of Maritime Affairs, integrated the conference presentations. Heads of various panelists including Ms. Yan Yan Director Research Centre of Ocean Law & amp; Policy from China also presented the recommendations of their respective panels.
The International Maritime Conference (IMC) brought together eminent speakers and delegates from across the globe for in depth discussions and deliberations on changing dynamics of geopolitics and analyse the impact of these changes on IOR’s economic exploitation and maritime security canvas. The conference was attended by a large number of dignitaries from across the globe, tri-services officers, academia, foreign and local media representatives and researchers from local and international think-tanks.
The rise of terrorism and instability at global level has changed the nature of how nations engaged both friends and foes. Special Forces play a unique role that include tracking of terrorist’s cells and leaders, disrupting insurgent campaigns and building relationships with international partners for ensuring peace and stability. Accordingly, during the harbour phase of AMAN 19, Special Operations Forces of Pakistan Navy presented an impressive Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration at PNS QASIM, Karachi. Mr. Imran Ismail, Governor Sindh graced the occasion as chief guest.
The counter terrorism demonstration was a fine display of strength and specialized skills by Special Operations Forces (SOF) of Pakistan Navy to counter acts of maritime terrorism, refine special operating procedures, exchange of professional expertise and to enhance interoperability with participating SOF teams. The demonstration of Pakistan Navy assets and their capabilities included Dolphin Maneuvers by Special Fast Boats (SFBs), Fast Boat Recovery, Advance Fire Arms Drills, Static Line Para Jumps, Clearance Ops, Insertion of SOF Teams & Marines Platoon to Hover Craft, Bomb Burst by Helos and Free Fall Jumps etc.
An International Bands display was also presented by the bands of participating countries of AMAN 19, aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage as well. The military bands from Sri Lanka, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Rangers played a mix of their traditional and military tunes. The enchanting melodies mesmerized the audience and were really appreciated. A large number of personnel of the participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and senior officials of armed forces of Pakistan witnessed the Counter terrorism demonstration and Bands display.
During the harbour phase, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was called on by various visiting foreign dignitaries including Lt. General Edzai Absalom Tafadzwa Chanyuka Chimonyo Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D. Chief of Romanian Naval Forces, Lt. General Afgan Taghiyev Veli Chief of Coast Guard State Border Service Azerbaijan and Admiral (Retd) William A. Owens of USA in separate meetings. During the meetings matters of mutual interest including defence related collaborations and maritime security dynamics were discussed. The Naval Chief also thanked the dignitaries for participation in Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN 19 to enhance the collaborative efforts for peace and security. The dignitaries highly appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and focused commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region and conduct of Exercise AMAN.
The Chief of the Naval also visited ships of foreign navies that participated in AMAN-19 during the harbour phase. Upon his arrival onboard foreign visiting ships, the Naval Chief was warmly welcomed by Senior Officers/Commanding officers of respective ships and was presented the guard of honour by smartly dressed out contingents. The Naval Chief visited ships of Australia (HMAS BALLARAT), China (PLA(N) KUNLUNSHAN), Italy (ITS MARGOTTINI), Malaysia (RMK KD MAHAWANGSA), Oman (RNOV AL-RAHMANI), Sri Lanka (SLNS SAYURALA), Turkey (TCG GOKCEADA) and UK (HMS DRAGON). During the visit onboard, he held interactions with senior officers/Commanding officers and was given briefings onboard ships. During discussions, the Naval Chief highlighted that Pakistan Navy has always been a forerunner in quest for collaborative security in this region of immense strategic importance and AMAN series of exercises are anchored on this concept. The Admiral further expressed that camaraderie generated herein will grow in future and shall bring us closer to the mutual goal of regional peace and prosperity. He also appreciated their participation in AMAN Exercise to fulfill common resolve of “Together for Peace”. Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi interacted with foreign media reps during his visit and responded to their questions.
The Senior officers/ Commanding officers of the respective ships, highly acknowledged the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy by bringing together global navies towards shared commitment of maritime peace, stability and lawful order at sea.
With the commencement of sea phase of Exercise AMAN on 11 Feb 19, all participating foreign ships and Pakistan Navy designated Ships proceeded to sea for rehearsals and preparations of operational exercises and maritime related drills.
The pinnacle of Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-19 was a day long sea activity on 12 Feb 19, which is known as International Fleet Review (IFR). Exercise AMAN-19 came to its conclusion with these spectacular sea maneuvers and Fleet Review in the North Arabian Sea, amid a joint resolve of 46 countries “Together for Peace”.
President of Pakistan, Chief Minister Sindh, Defence Minister, Minister of Defence Production, Chairman JCSC, three Services Chief, Ambassadors, Defence and Naval Attaches and number of other guests witnessed spectacular sea maneuvers and International Fleet Review in the North Arabian Sea. Naval assets including naval ships, helicopters, Special Forces elements and observers from 46 countries participated in the exercise.
Upon arrival onboard Pakistan Navy Ship MOAWIN, the President was welcomed by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi and Senior Naval officers. The Chief Guest witnessed different operational exercises including firing by ships on pre-deployed targets, underway replenishment between ships and maritime related maneuvers. The Fleet Review also featured an impressive Fly Past by participating aircraft and helicopters followed by men and cheer ship by participating ships. Thereafter, the participating ships formed up in traditional “AMAN Formation” to signify unity and harmony to ensure PEACE in maritime domain.
The President congratulated Pakistan Navy for hosting the mega event and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve for peace and security in the region. The President appreciated the participation of large number of like-minded Nations and emphasized that AMAN-19 will pave the way to make the region more peaceful and secure with combined efforts by all stakeholders. He reiterated the need for strategic cooperation to counter transnational maritime threats and encourage safety, security and stability in the region.
Maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean have acquired international dimensions. Cooperation between international navies therefore, is imperative to counter these emerging threats. Pakistan being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Indian Ocean Region is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order. Successful conduct of Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-19 under the auspices of Pakistan Navy will be a big stride towards this direction. The participation of 46 countries across the globe, with their warships, aircraft, helicopters, Special Operation Forces, Explosive Ordnance Teams, Marines and observers is a conspicuous manifestation of poise and confidence on Pakistan in joining hands for common resolve of peace, stability and lawful order at sea. The exercise is a reflection of the strong ties between Pakistan and global navies and display of converging strategic interests which will go a long way in promoting maritime security and stability in the region.
