KARACHI: Opening brief of Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Major Maritime Exercise Seaspark-18 was held on Monday which was graced by the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as the chief guest.

All operational units of Pakistan Navy including ships, submarines, aircraft, UAVs, Special Forces and Pak Marines along with elements of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also participated in the exercise.

The exercise, spanning over two months, is being conducted in the Arabian Sea all along Pakistan Coast from Jiwanithe to Sir Creek. Pak Army, PAF and representatives of the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Affairs, Interior are also Finance are also participating in the exercise.

During the opening brief, deputy chief of the naval staff (oerations) presented the overview of the exercise which was followed by the presentation of operational plans by the force commanders.

The exercise is conducted biennially in order to assess war preparedness and validate operational plans of Pakistan Navy taking cognisance of emerging regional and global challenges.

Pakistan Navy is combat ready and fully committed to protect national maritime interests during peace and war. The exercise Seaspark-18 would therefore, provide impetus to Pakistan’s resolve of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.