Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, diplomats, and military personnel from various countries were present at the occasion
Teams from various countries joined forces to display their Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration as well as other skills in tandem at the PNS QASIM Manora, Karachi during the AMAN’ 21 exercises. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Nadeem Raza was the chief guest at the occasion which was also attended by a large number of observers, diplomats and military personnel from the various countries. Navies from 46 countries are involved in the biennial exercise that takes place in Pakistan.
The military bands from Sri Lanka, Tri-Services of Pakistan, Sindh Rangers, and Coast Guard played traditional and military tunes. A Special Rifle Drill by Pak Marine was also a part of the event displaying the excellent performance of spins and expert maneuvers. A strong counter-terrorism demonstration was also on display, showing the strength and specialized skills by Special Operations Forces used to counter acts of maritime terrorism. The participating navies also had friendly sports contests amongst each other.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Nadeem Raza praised the professionalism of the participants and hoped that Exercise AMAN 21 will promote Regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability, and united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain.
Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi was also present during the event and he visited a number of vessels as well. These included Indonesian Navy ship Kri Bung Tumo, Russian Navy ship Admiral Grigorovich and Sri Lankan Navy ship Gajabathu among the platforms participating in AMAN ’21. He said that the exercise will bring the mutual goal of peace and prosperity closer and will enhance the interoperability of the different navies.
“Aman Exercise demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to peace, reinforces regional maritime security, and enhances interoperability between regional and extra-regional navies,” he said. “Camaraderie generated herein will grow in future and shall bring us closer to the mutual goal of peace and prosperity.”
The presence of a large number of navies from across the globe indicates that the exercise offers a lot in terms of professional development. At the same time, it serves as a diplomatic bridge between Pakistan and a large number of other countries. A truly win-win situation.