KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi has underscored the Hindutva-driven ideologies as Pakistan’s arch rival, which continues to impinge upon strategic stability in the region.

He was speaking as chief guest at the closing session of Pakistan Navy’s major maritime exercise Seaspark-2022 held at Karachi. It was conducted in north Arabian Sea to validate operational plans designed under realities of ever-evolving geo-strategic environment.

During the session, the deputy chief of naval staff (operations) presented an overview of the exercise. Later the exercise was discussed in detail to draw pertinent lessons. Towards the end, recommendations were presented to refurbish war plans and strategies.

In his concluding remarks, the chief of the naval staff highlighted the regional environment that continues to be infested with massive competition of interest, political instabilities and simmering conflict.

He stressed the evolving character of war under the scenarios that possess complexity in understanding enemy’s behaviour and determining response possibilities.

The chief asserted that Pakistan Navy was vigilant to offset enemy’s quantitative leverages through superior professionalism, innovative tactics, perseverance and above all faith in Allah. He reiterated the resolve that Pakistan Navy stood fully prepared to ensure seaward defence and safeguard national maritime interest at all costs.

Seaspark-22 was aimed at assessing the combat readiness and operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy and to validate war plans duly aligned with National Security Policy and military strategies while synergising naval operations with land and air operations in conflict situations.

The exercise also afforded valuable opportunity to corroborate various operational concepts and realign conceptual thought process in sync with operations as well as strategic imperatives.

The session of the exercise was attended by high ranking officers from the services and notable representatives from various ministries.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2022