[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Pakistan holds multinational ‘Aman-17' naval exercise" ids="121485,121486,121484,121487,121488,121489"] KARACHI, Pakistan — A five-day long multinational 'Aman-17' naval exercise concluded recently in the Pakistan's port city of Karachi with much fanfare. The joint naval drills with 37 countries, including Pakistan, taking part in the event, showcased spectacular sea maneuvers and fleet review in the North Arabian Sea during a five-day event. Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest during the closing ceremony. Upon arrival onboard Pakistan Navy Ship NASR, the chief guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah. Defense minister, secretary defense, Sindh governor, chief minister of Sindh, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, chief of the army staff, chief of the air Staff, Sri Lankan naval chief, national security adviser to PM, ambassadors, consul generals, diplomats and other high-ranking civil and military officials were also present on the occasion. The prime minister was briefed on the overall conduct and operational perspective of the exercise and was given a detailed account of the sea-based activities. The chief guest witnessed different operational serials of the exercise conducted at sea by participating naval ships, aircraft, helicopters and PAF fighter jets. These serials comprised replenishment of men and material from one ship to another, Rockets Depth Charge (RDC) firing and surface to surface firing on pre-determined targets. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also presented an impressive fly past by various aircraft and helicopters of PN, PAF and participating countries including Japanese P3C Orion aircraft. In the end, all participating ships of different countries skim past PNS NASR in a column formation and presented salute to the dignitary. All the coalition ships also formed up for traditional "AMAN Formation" to signify unity and harmony amongst the participating nations against seaward crimes and maritime terrorism. Expressing his satisfaction, the prime minister lauded the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy for the successful conduct of Exercise AMAN-17, which is a manifestation of Pakistan's policy of constructive engagement with the comity of nations for peace and stability in the maritime commons. He further added that presence of such large number of foreign navies is reflective of confidence of world navies on Pakistan. He also stated that with this state of operational readiness, Pakistan Navy is fully prepared and committed to ensure seaward defense and safeguard maritime interests of Pakistan. Thirty-seven countries participated in this multinational naval exercise which was conducted in two phases; the harbor phase spanned from Feb. 11-12 and the sea phase from Feb. 13–14. The harbor phase comprised International Maritime Conference, seminars, table talks, cross ships visits, call ons, international band display and maritime counterterrorism demonstration. Whereas, the sea phase included practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during harbor phase.
