Revolution in the technological domain has reoriented the very concept of national security as it is now linked with regional security. Nowadays, deterioration in any state leads to a spillover effect in the region. The spread of the Arab revolution throughout the Middle Eastern region and the consequences of the Afghan turmoil in the South Asian region are examples to quote in this regard. Moreover, the importance of air and naval power has significantly increased in the contemporary world. Now the great powers safeguard their security and aspire to attain their political and economic interests through regional organizations and multinational cooperative frameworks.
Being a country of strategic significance, Pakistan is encountered with multilayered security issues including foreign-funded terrorism and extremism, the spillover effect of the regional turmoil, hybrid warfare, and information warfare. Keeping in view the demands of the modern world, the Pakistan Armed Forces are trying to engage the regional stakeholders for regional security, peace, and stability. The contemporary maritime environment in the backdrop of initiatives like OBOR, CPEC, and the emergence of the concept of the string of pearls has been fraught with hybrid challenges ranging from traditional to non-traditional threats. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy being the custodian of ‘peaceful coexistence’ is vigilantly contributing to regional peace through UN-mandated Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 & 151, as well as various bilateral and multilateral exercises.
Pakistan Navy started a series of AMAN exercises in 2007 and the idea was to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain including Piracy. To date, 8x exercises have been conducted and a 9th exercise is planned in Feb 2025. The Exercise is designed to provide a common forum for information sharing, mutual understanding, and identifying areas of common interests for group analysis and dialogues through the International Maritime Conference. Moreover, it aims to develop and practice response tactics, techniques, and procedures against asymmetric and traditional threats during the sea phase of the exercise. The exercise also encourages the intermingling of multinationals with the depiction of their respective cultures during cultural shows/food galas. More than 40 countries participated in the last edition of the AMAN exercise which was held in 2023 which shows Pakistan’s aspirations for achieving collective peace in the region. The increasing interest of various countries is testimony to the success of AMAN exercises. A significant addition to the AMAN Exercise framework is the introduction of the AMAN Dialogue, marking the Pakistan Navy’s inaugural effort to host a dedicated platform for regional maritime security discussions. This initiative aims to provide an open forum for leadership and experts to exchange perspectives on critical maritime security issues, promoting mutual understanding and enhanced cooperation among participating nations.
In conclusion, the Pakistan Navy is wisely practicing the idea propagated by Albert Einstein which says “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding”. AMAN exercises are playing a pivotal role against regional and extra-regional threats not only for the participant countries but for regional peace as a whole. The shared knowledge and skills enhance interoperability between participants which will help to increase cooperation between all stakeholders.
