Daily Times

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi Thursday reviewed operational readiness of naval installations and units at Turbat, Gwadar and boarded Pakistan Navy Ships operating at sea during on-going major Maritime Exercise SEASPARK-20. The Admiral was also given briefings on diverse plans of the Exercise, said a Pakistan Navy press release. During the visit, the Naval Chief was received by Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq and Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi at respective Area of Responsibility. On arrival at Naval Air Station Turbat, the Naval Chief was comprehensively briefed on operational plans, deployment of Pakistan Navy aviation assets and various operations being undertaken during the Exercise. Later, during visit to Gwadar, the Admiral was appraised on different operations, plans and readiness of deployed troops along Makran Coast. On completion of briefings at Command Centers, Chief of the Naval Staff boarded Pakistan Navy Ships operating at sea. The Naval Chief was given detailed briefing onboard Pakistan Navy Ships on Fleet operations and various plans being undertaken during the Exercise Seaspark 20. Later, while interacting with troops, the Admiral expressed his satisfaction on operational readiness of Pak Navy assets and professional excellence of troops for ensuring robust seaward defence. Naval Chief appreciated troops’ morale, resilience to serve under multi-threat environment and readiness to surprise the enemy. While addressing troops, the Admiral also touched upon detection of adversary’s submarine during Post-Pulwama standoff as manifestations of Pak Navy’s professional excellence. He reaffirmed that any misadventure by the enemy will be thwarted by the Navy with an iron fist. The exercise SEASPARK-20 is a display of strong resolve and capabilities. Pakistan Navy being multi-dimensional force is determined to stand against any aggression posed by the enemy and safeguard maritime frontiers of Pakistan. Earlier, upon the admiral’s arrival at the command centre, he was received by Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Zahid Ilyas and was briefed about operational plans of exercise SEASPARK-20. Later, during visit of forward posts located at Creeks Area, naval chief was received by Commander Coast Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi. Chief of Staff Operations Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Operations Rear Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami also accompanied the naval chief.