ISLAMABAD: A concluding session of the recently conducted Pakistan Navy’s major maritime exercise SEASPARK 2018 was held at Karachi this morning. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi NI(M) was Chief Guest on the occasion. The exercise conducted in North Arabian Sea involved all PN units including, ships, submarines and aircraft along with Special Forces and Marines . Additionally, PMSA, PAF and Pak Army Air Defence elements also participated in the exercise. The event was attended by a large number of high ranking officers from the three services including reps from various ministries. Rear Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi HI(M), Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations) presented an overview of the exercise. Subsequently, an exhaustive de-brief of the exercise was held in which all aspects were discussed threadbare to draw pertinent lessons from the conduct of exercise. Contemporary geostrategic environment necessitates adroit response by PN in peace and war. In this context, the exercise was aimed to assess the combat readiness and operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy to meet the entire spectrum of National Security Challenges, in the Maritime Domains – Another objective was to validate and consolidate various operational concepts. The exercise also afforded valuable opportunity to harness professional combat skills of PN units to achieve synergy is effects. Chief of the Naval Staff, in his concluding remarks, said that the contemporary challenges having the dimensions of hybrid warfare entail sharp vigilance and constant review of PN operational plans through extensive war gaming and brain storming. He expressed utmost satisfaction on combat readiness of Pak Navy to cope with all external and internal challenges. He appreciated the professionalism displayed during the exercise and expressed satisfaction on the overall conduct of the exercise. In the end, he urged upon all to regard this concluding session as a start to the follow-up proceedings which should lead to comprehensive review of PN operational plans by all commands. Published in Daily Times, November 20th 2018.