Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali SHAH graced the display as the Chief Guest. Pakistan CNS Admiral Naveed ASHRAF and Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul MUNIB were also present on the occasion, which featured performances by Tri-Services bands, Sindh Rangers, and Police, who performed with great enthusiasm. They played a mix of their traditional and military tunes. Alongside Pakistan’s military bands, a military band from Sri Lanka also participated, further enhancing the spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange. The enchanting melodies mesmerized the audience and were really appreciated.

Following the bands display at evening time Special Operations Forces (SOF) of Pakistan Navy (Special Services Group Navy/SSG[N] & Marines), presented a high-intensity Maritime Counter-Terrorism Demonstration at the coast of Manora Island, located south of the Port of Karachi.

The demonstration was held in the presence of national and international dignitaries, military officials, and delegates from participating navies, as well as local and foreign media representatives. It highlighted precision operations, hostage rescue missions, and frogman operations. The highly synchronized execution of these maneuvers reflected the professionalism and combat readiness of Pakistan Navy in addressing evolving maritime security challenges.

The SSG(N) is a multi-dimensional force with a capability to undertake assignments on Sea, Subsea. Land and Air. Jointly conducted by the Pakistan Navy Marines and Special Services Group (Navy), the Maritime Counter-Terrorism Demonstration began with a great explosion caused by the detonation of an underwater bomb placed in a location close to the shore, by using the water jet technique. Following the great explosion, which at first stage was unsettling, but after that, the massive plume formed on the surface of the water draws significant attention, simulated terrorists landed on the beach by boats and kidnapped a pair of locals.

Then Maritime Counter-Terrorism Team commonly known as CTT demonstrated a coordinated beach assault operation to neutralize terrorists’ stronghold and safe house by making air and sea approach and using different techniques of infiltration. In this context, firstly the SSG(N) paratroopers (6x) jumped from a Pakistan Navy Sea King Helicopter from the air and they landed about 200m from the beach by their parachutes. After that they infiltrated the shore with a Special Forces Boat secretly. These jumpers then formed part of Beach Reconnaissance Team for the Counter-Terrorism Demonstration.

In the second phase a six-men Air Assault Team was dropped into the sea off the beach by another Sea King Helicopter. They then infiltrated the shore with a Special Forces Boat secretly. Then a sniper, camouflaged with a concealment net, sent a drone to monitor the terrorists’ stronghold and safe house where the hostages were being held from the air. It was followed by the rapid insertion of two six-men Air Assault Teams by a pair of Sea King Helicopters from the air via fast-rope technique.

Once a beachhead was established by the SSG(N) Teams and Marines, coordinated beach assault operation was launched. After a short engagement the SOF Teams & Marines Platoon rescued the hostages. Meanwhile another explosion took place on the sea simulating the demolish of terrorists’ mothership. Following the quick recovery the hostages, SOF Teams & Marines Platoon were extracted of by a Pakistan Navy Marines’ Griffon 8100TD were awaiting it while two more hovercrafts (Griffon Hoverwork 2000TD) waiting near the shore provided protection for them.

Within the scope of the Maritime Counter-Terrorism Demonstration; Dolphin Manoeuvres at a speed of 45 knot by 4 Maritime Tactical Patrol Boats and 2 MRTP15 VBSS boats, Fast Boat Recovery covering fast extraction of an injured SSG(N) SEAL, initially dropped by a PN Sea King helicopter about 200m from the beach from a hostile water with a Sea king Helicopter by fast rope technique, and Demonstration of Bomb Burst Aerial (executed by 3 Sea King helicopters from Pakistan Naval Aviation to present special salute to honour Chief Guest) were also carried out. A special highlight of the Maritime Counter-Terrorism Demonstration was the High-Altitude Free-Fall Jump by Pakistan Navy’s Sea Eagle Team (established in 1991) from a Sea King Helicopter.

5 Jumpers carrying the flags of different countries (including Azerbaijan, China, Jordan, KSA, Türkiye and Pakistan), that participated Exercise AMAN-25, jumped from 10.000 feet and landed at target located at the coast with precise accuracy. This symbolic display underscored the spirit of international cooperation and Pakistan Navy’s commitment to “Together for Peace”—the official motto of Exercise AMAN. According to Lt. Cdr. Saad IRFAN, SSG(N) Sky Diver, the jumpers opened their parachutes at 4.000ft altitude and from 10.000ft to 4.000ft altitude they descended freely from the skies at a speed of 200ft per second. As per our question he also disclosed that Navy SEALS undergo 9-month training, 4 months for Sea, 3 months for Land and 2 months for Air. Following the successful landing of 5 SSG(N) jumpers, the leader of the PN Sea Eagle Team Commander Jehanzaib ALI, presented Pakistan flag to Chief Guest.

The counter terrorism demonstrated was a fine display of strength and specialized skills by Special Operations Forces (SOF) of Pakistan Navy to counter acts of maritime terrorism, refine special operating procedures, exchange of professional expertise and to enhance interoperability with participating SOF Teams. SOFs all over the world act as force multipliers in support of conventional forces, engage major or minor missions at broader context thus increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the regular forces.

İbrahim SÜNNETCİ is in Karachi, Pakistan to follow Exercise AMAN-25 and AMAN Dialogue 2025 as a guest of the Pakistan Navy.

Lt. Cdr. Noman MAJEED Pakistan Navy Marines Commander

Commander of the Special Services Group of the Pakistan Navy SSG(N) Lt. Cdr. Sardar Zarrar NASIR