The ninth edition of multinational maritime exercise "Aman-2025" has kicked off in Karachi with focus on enhancing security at sea.  Around 60 countries, along with their ships, aircraft, special operations forces, and observers, are participating in the exercise, which will continue till February 11.  Additionally, the Pakistan Navy has introduced the inaugural Aman Dialogue, scheduled for 9-10 February 2025, as an adjunct to the exercise. 

During this dialogue, naval chiefs and senior representatives from participating countries will deliberate on maritime security challenges and explore innovative solutions to enhance security at sea.  A day earlier, an impressive and colourful flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi, marking the formal inauguration of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise Aman 2025. 

The event featured the simultaneous hoisting of flags from all participating nations. A large number of senior military representatives, observers, diplomats, and officials from the Pakistan Armed Forces attended the ceremony.  The message of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, was read during the ceremony.  In his message, the naval chief warmly welcomed the participants of Exercise Aman-25 and highlighted that the exercise has become a regular feature, bringing together regional and extra-regional navies to foster a secure and conducive maritime environment. 

He emphasized the Pakistan Navy’s role as a key stakeholder in the Arabian Sea and its initiatives to enhance regional maritime security, including Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP).  The chief said that in recognition of the international community’s trust in the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to promote peace and stability at sea, AMAN Dialogue has been introduced as an adjunct to the exercise.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)