PREAMBLE
1. The year 2019 remained loaded in terms of Pakistan Navy multifaceted operational activities and initiatives. Over the year, various domains ranging from exercising combat readiness, infusing maritime awareness, training and provision of assistance/ relief operations by Pakistan Navy. To achieve the aforesaid assignments, Pakistan Navy always remained poised and endeavored in support of national interest. The broad contours of the initiatives/ activities spur over the year are enumerated in the ensuing paragraphs:
COMBAT READINESS
2. Successful Fire Power Displays by Pakistan Navy
A. In April 2019, Pakistan Navy demonstrated credible fire power in high tech indigenously developed land attack version of cruise missile weaponry systems in North Arabian Sea. It was aimed at validating various operational concepts and tactical war fighting procedures including joint operations involving all Pakistan Navy’s Field Commands as well as Pakistan Air Force.
B. In September 2019, during Exercise ‘RIBAT’ successful multiple live missile firings were conducted to review operational preparedness and war fighting capabilities of Pakistan Navy fleet. Pakistan Air Force fighters also participated in the maritime operations. Pakistan Marines and Special Operation Forces (SOFs) also rehearsed special operations.
c. In November 2019, Pakistan Navy successfully launched Land Based Anti-Ship Missile in pursuit of PN quest for maintaining a peaceful coexistence in the region. The operationalization of Zarb Weapon System is depictive of Pakistan Navy’s strong resolve and high level of operational preparedness.
3. Successful Detection of Indian Submarine by Pakistan Navy
a. In March 2019, during post Pulwama standoff, owing to high professionalism and dexterity, the valiant crew of Pakistan Navy’s P3C Orion Aircraft successfully detected and blocked an Indian Navy Scorpene class submarine from entering into Pakistani waters. It also reflects the commitment and resolve of Pakistan Navy to defend geographical frontiers of the Motherland. During the similar period, Pakistan Navy submarines remained discreetly deployed in adversary areas to thwart enemy’s nefarious designs.
4. Pakistan Navy Participation in Bilateral & Multinational Exercises
a. In January 2019, Pakistan Navy fleet and air units participated in 9th THAMAR AL TAYYIB Exercise with Royal Navy of Oman. The exercise was undertaken to enhance interoperability and collaborative efforts towards maritime security with the ultimate aim of promoting peace in the region.
b. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy hosted the 6th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN (Peace); wherein, over 46 countries participated with ships, aircraft, Special Forces and Observers. The main aim of Exercise AMAN-19 is to provide a forum for understanding of multiple navies maritime concepts, operational cultures and identifying ways & means to combat common threats at sea. Exercise AMAN signified creation and sustenance of environment where navies from various countries operated together under one resolve of “Together for Peace.”
c. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy fleet unit participated in the exercise `TURGUTREIS-III’ with Turkish Navy. Both navies mutually benefitted from the naval warfare tactics including maritime security procedures, experiences and areas of mutual cooperation during the exercise.
d. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy conducted Bilateral Exercise MALPAK-II in North Arabian Sea.
e. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy flotilla visited Abu Dhabi to participate in International Defence Exhibition (IDEX)/ Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) and Bilateral Exercise NASL AL BAHR. The exercise was aimed to enhance interoperability between both the brotherly navies. Various evolutions pertaining to Maritime Security Operations, Search and Rescue, Maneuvering drills; Maritime Infrastructure Protection, Communication and Warfare were undertaken.
f. In July 2019, Pakistan Navy hosted bilateral ‘Exercise AYYILDIZ’ between Pakistan Navy’s Special Service Group (SSG Navy) and Turkish Navy’s Special Forces, ‘Su Alti Taarruz’ (SAT). PN, with aim to strengthen military relationships; improve coordination & interoperability and exchange of professional expertise in Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) domain conducted various Anti-Terrorism Ops, Rescue and Hostage Ops. Counter terrorism in Maritime domain and Intelligence based operations in exercise.
g. In October 2019, a bilateral exercise SEA THUNDER-IV held between Pakistan Navy Special Service Group and Indonesian Navy Special Operation Force (SOF). During the exercise, Maritime Counter Terrorism Operations including Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIOs) were also rehearsed at sea.
h. In November, 2019 Exercise SHAHEEN AL JAZEERA held between Pakistan Navy’s Special Service Group and Royal Bahrain Defence Force’s Special Operation Force (SOF) at Karachi. The aim of the exercise was to strengthen military relationships, improve coordination & interoperability and exchange of professional expertise in SOF domains.
i. In December 2019, International Exercise Barracuda-X held at Karachi. The exercise was aimed at enhancing capacity and proficiency of national stakeholders to combat the menace of pollution at sea. Twenty four observers from 11 countries along with national stake holders including Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, PMSA, Port Qasim Authority and Karachi Port Trust participated in the exercise.
j. Two Pakistan Navy ships PNS ASLAT and PNS MOAWIN are presently on Oversea Deployment around African region. The ships while enroute port called to various African countries including Morocco, Mauritania, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa till to date. Pakistan Navy ships displayed commitment and desire on expanding and enhancing brotherly relations with all African countries. As a gesture of goodwill, free Medical Camps are also established in host countries by teams of Pakistan Navy doctors and paramedics. Pakistani ships also highlighting the deteriorating situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (LOK).
5. PN Command Multinational Combined Maritime Task Force-150 (CTF-150).
a. In April 2019, Pakistan Navy took over the Command of Multinational Combined Maritime Task Force-150 (CTF-150) at Bahrain. Pakistan Navy team assured dedicated efforts to achieve the set objectives.
b. Pakistan Navy had the distinction of commanding TF-150 for 11 different times which is manifestation of the trust and respect reposed in Pakistan Navy by the coalition partners.
6. Pakistan Navy Developmental Programs & Acquisitions.
a. In September 2019, launching ceremony of state of the art 2300 Tons Offshore Patrol Vessel-II, being built for Pakistan Navy was held at M/s DAMEN Shipyard Galati, Romania.
b. In September 2019, Steel Cutting Ceremony of 1st ship of MILGEM Class Corvettes being constructed for Pakistan Navy was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi jointly cut the metal plate of the 1st MILGEM Class Corvette.
c. In October 2019, Steel Cutting Ceremony of 16 Ton Bollard Pull Pusher Tugs being built for Pakistan Navy was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW).
d. In November 2019, the Commissioning Ceremony of Survey Vessel BEHR MASAH built for Pakistan Navy at China was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi. The commissioning of BEHR MASAH is a leap forward in the field of modern hydrography and marine sciences.
e. In November 2019, launching Ceremony of first indigenously designed Fast Attack Craft (Missile)/ FAC(M) 4 being built for Pakistan Navy held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW). The missile vessel is equipped with indigenously developed anti-ship missiles and sensors. The vessel has been indigenously designed by Maritime Technologies Complex, Pakistan (MTC).
7. Pakistan Navy Endeavors in Jump Start Maritime Sector/ Maritime Awareness Campaign.
The importance of Blue Economy and the development of Maritime Sector is the key to Pakistan’s economic development. In this perspective various initiatives were undertaken by Pakistan Navy to explore the potentials of Maritime sector.
a. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy organized a three-day International Maritime Conference on the theme of ‘Global Geopolitics in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.’ Various national and international scholars delighted their viewpoint on importance of Maritime affairs.
b. In April 2019, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) under the auspices of Pakistan Navy organized one-day seminar on the theme “Potential of Maritime Tourism Development in Pakistan” at Pakistan Maritime Museum, Karachi. The seminar was aimed to create awareness among masses by bringing together various maritime stakeholders.
c. In April 2019, induction ceremony of Marine Debris Collection Barges was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi. The barges will be used for Karachi harbour cleaning.
d. In September 2019, Pakistan Navy celebrated World Maritime Day in coordination with International Maritime Organization.
e. In December 2019, Pakistan Navy organized the 3rd Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-19) on the theme ‘Blue Economic Potentials’ at Pakistan Navy War Collage, Lahore. This national level workshop was aimed at underscoring the significance of maritime sector, creating awareness on dynamics of blue economy & maritime security and tapping blue economic potentials of Pakistan.
8. PN Activities in Domain of Humanitarian Assistance
a. In February 2019, Pakistan Navy successfully conducted rescue operation in Uthal, Balochistan and saved precious lives of civilians including women and children stranded in rain drains. Later in July 2019, Pakistan Navy contributed medical supplies of worth more than PKR 3 Million to the authorities of DHQ hospital, Uthal. This initiative by Pakistan Navy helped in provision of quality medical facilities to the locals of Uthal district and adjoining areas.
b. In October 2019, during disastrous earthquake at Mirpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan Navy team provided relief goods to the aggrieved populace and distributed the ration.
c. In November 2019, Pakistan Navy distributed ration in suburb areas of Keti Bandar in Thatta district of Sindh with an aim to facilitate rehabilitation of effectees of sea cyclonic storm ‘Kyarr’.
In 2019, Pakistan Navy established free eye and medical camps at various remote and less privileged areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The eye camps were aimed to provide free advice and quality treatment to the needy occupants of the area.
9. PN Activities in Sports Field.
a. In the arena of sports activities, Pakistan Navy earned laurels by retaining Champions Title of 26th National Shooting Championship. Pakistan Navy won Sailing Event of 33rd National Games during the year 2019. Sailing event of the 33rd National Games of Pakistan was held at Karachi.
10. Seizure of Contraband Items by Pakistan Navy.
a. Pakistan Navy, with an aim to safeguard frontiers, apprehended about 2000 kg Hashish worth over 30 million US dollars during an intelligence based operation near Pasni, Balochistan and approximately 675 Kg of Hashish and 4 Kg Heroin worth approx. 300 Million near Sonehra Point at Mubarik Village. The cache was subsequently handed over to ANF for further disposal. Pakistan Navy’s perseverance to deter, disrupt and deny use of our sea/ coastline for any unlawful activities.
Inauguration of Bahria Model College Gwadar.
a. Pakistan Navy Inaugurated State-of the art New Campus Building of Bahria Model College Gwadar. Growing number of Bahria Model Schools and Colleges across the coastal belt indicate Pakistan Navy’s resolve to promote education & economic prosperity of the local populace.
Overall, during the year 2019, Pakistan Navy conducted various operational exercises and by staying cognizant with prevalent security environment, ensured combat readiness efforts were made to enhance the overall capabilities in different domains.
