Together for peace

The 9th edition of Maritime Exercise AMAN-2025, a multinational maritime security initiative led by the Pakistan Navy, marked a historic milestone. The event introduced the inaugural AMAN Dialogue, a forum designed to foster collaboration among global navies, defence experts and academia to address evolving maritime threats.

Over 60 nations, including regional and extra-regional naval forces, converged in Karachi to reinforce the theme ‘Together for Peace’, in recognition of the urgent need for unified action against piracy, terrorism, and environmental degradation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Initiated in 2007, the AMAN Exercise has evolved into a premier biennial event aimed at promoting regional stability and enhancing interoperability among participating naval forces. The term ‘AMAN’, meaning peace in Urdu, encapsulates the exercise's core mission: to unite maritime nations in the pursuit of collective security and shared maritime interests.

Since its inception, the AMAN series has provided a collaborative platform for navies worldwide to address common maritime challenges, including piracy, terrorism, and human trafficking. The exercise emphasises the importance of information sharing, mutual understanding, and joint operational readiness to ensure safe and sustainable maritime practices.

Hosting the AMAN Exercise is a testament to the Pakistan Navy's unwavering commitment to global maritime peace and security. By facilitating this multinational initiative, the Pakistan Navy showcases its professional excellence while also reinforcing its role as a pivotal contributor to international maritime collaboration. The successful organisation of AMAN-2025 underscores Pakistan's dedication to fostering unity among the world's naval forces.

The ninth edition, AMAN-2025, held from February 7 to 11, 2025, marked the largest gathering to date, with participation from over 60 countries. These activities aimed to enhance tactical interoperability and collective maritime response capabilities. Notable participants included naval vessels and delegations from China, the US, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, France, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and several African Union countries. The diverse representation underscored the global commitment to collaborative maritime security.

Given Pakistan’s strategic geographical location, ensuring maritime security remains crucial. The exchange of ideas during the dialogue highlighted the intersection between naval operations and law enforcement, particularly in combating smuggling, human trafficking and piracy. Many of these issues are rooted in larger criminal networks, making collaboration between the navy and police even more essential.

Attending the event was a profound experience, not just as a member of the Sindh Police but also as someone who once wore the uniform of a naval officer. Witnessing the advancements in training, infrastructure and operational capabilities, I was reminded of how far we have come in our journey toward modernisation and enhanced preparedness.

The Aman Dialogue was a reaffirmation of a collective commitment to peace and security. Engaging with respected colleagues from both the navy and police, including senior officers from the Sindh Police, was an enlightening experience. The discussions highlighted the necessity of interagency cooperation to address multidimensional threats such as terrorism and organized crime. As a police officer, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of shared intelligence and coordinated efforts in mitigating risks to our communities. Public safety and community engagement were also key themes, emphasising the significance of building trust within society. A proactive approach, where law enforcement and the public work together, fosters stronger community ties and enhances overall security.

Another critical aspect of the dialogue was the role of technology in modern policing. The discussions on leveraging surveillance systems, data analytics, and community policing applications underscored how digital advancements are reshaping security strategies.

The Security Division of the Sindh Police, in collaboration with COMKAR and the Naval Police, has been actively engaged in providing comprehensive security measures for the event. Approximately 2,500 personnel of the Security Division have been deputed to maintain a secure environment throughout the event. This coordinated effort highlights the critical role of interagency cooperation in safeguarding such large-scale international engagements, ensuring a safe and conducive atmosphere for participating nations.

The integration of law enforcement and military expertise allows for a holistic approach to security, addressing both conventional and unconventional threats effectively.

Beyond operational coordination, the Aman Dialogue also reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships. The world is witnessing an era where security challenges transcend borders, making collaborative frameworks more relevant than ever. The need for synchronised response mechanisms, whether in maritime security or counterterrorism efforts, was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Effective intelligence-sharing channels and joint task forces are imperative to preempt and neutralise threats before they materialise.

The AMAN exercise stands as a beacon of international maritime cooperation, reflecting the shared resolve of nations to uphold peace and security on the high seas. The Pakistan Navy's leadership in orchestrating AMAN-2025 has highlighted the collective effort required to address evolving maritime challenges. It served as a reminder that, regardless of the uniform we wear, our ultimate goal remains the same: safeguarding our nation and its people. The camaraderie and shared dedication among younger officers in both the navy and police were particularly uplifting. Their enthusiasm and commitment reaffirmed my belief in the future of Pakistan’s security landscape.

As we reflect on this extraordinary event, it is imperative to acknowledge and pay tribute to the leadership that made AMAN-2025 a resounding success. Their strategic vision, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication ensured the success of this monumental event, further strengthening Pakistan’s position as a key player in global maritime security.

Moving forward, fostering cooperation, embracing innovation and maintaining a shared vision for the future will be critical in ensuring a secure environment for all. In the spirit of unity and shared purpose, the ideals nurtured during events like the Aman Dialogue must carry forward. Our strength lies in collaboration, progressive thinking, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and welfare of the people we serve.

The writer is a counterterrorism scholar and senior police officer currently serving as the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police in charge of the Security Division of the Sindh Police.