Karachi: The Pakistan Navy‘s inaugural Maritime Security Exercise SEA GUARD-24 reached its culmination with a debrief session held in Karachi, attended by Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami commended the collective efforts of all stakeholders, emphasizing the success achieved through their dedicated contributions. He highlighted that SEA GUARD-24 exemplifies the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to addressing ongoing maritime security challenges in a concrete manner, ensuring the safety of maritime zones.
The primary objective of the exercise was to review response procedures for maritime security incidents, identify operational gaps, and propose measures for enhancing response mechanisms. SEA GUARD-24 provided a platform to strengthen collaboration among diverse maritime stakeholders, including shipping, fishing, law enforcement, and private entities, unified through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC). The exercise facilitated tactical exercises, the exchange of best practices, and the promotion of mutual understanding among stakeholders.
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The closing session of the exercise was attended by senior officials from federal and provincial stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Law, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Narcotics Control, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Anti-Narcotics Force, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Gwadar Port Authority, Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim, BYCO Petroleum, and prominent figures from the private sector and fishing community.
Participants received an analytical review of practical scenarios, along with insights from table-top discussions conducted at JMICC. The exercise not only strengthened collaboration but also generated valuable recommendations for refining Pakistan’s maritime security apparatus. The successful conclusion of SEA GUARD-24 marks a significant milestone in fortifying the nation’s maritime defenses and ensuring a safer maritime environment.
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