The divine spark, or strategos, is essential in overcoming difficulties, whether in war or daily life. This concept is deeply rooted in wisdom and continuous training of both the mind and soul. In ancient Greece, before going to war, armies visited the temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and beauty, rather than the god of war Ares, recognizing that wars are won with intellect and wisdom rather than brute force. Senseless violence often proves counterproductive, while strategic wisdom ensures success.

Wars are won with intellect and wisdom rather than brute force.

The Pakistan Navy, the guardian of the nation’s sea frontiers, has exemplified strategos throughout its history, overcoming its arch-rival, the Indian Navy, an adversary many times larger and numerically superior. Since independence, the numerical ratio of men and equipment between the two navies has remained more than 1:3 in favor of India. Yet, initiative, superior training, and intellect have consistently given Pakistan the strategic edge.

This success is a testament to the leadership that transformed a fledgling force—left with little after the partition of the subcontinent—into a formidable naval force. Despite starting with outdated, vintage second-hand equipment, Pakistan’s naval officers and sailors, through sheer determination and strategic foresight, shaped the force into a credible adversary by the 1960s.

In the 1965 war, the entire Pakistan Navy fleet launched an attack on the Indian radar station in Dwarka, successfully destroying it with ease. The much larger Indian Navy failed to respond, fearing Pakistan’s only submarine at the time, PNS Ghazi.

The 1971 war posed even greater challenges, as India had created a crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Pakistani troops were stationed over 2,000 kilometers away from their base, surrounded by enemy forces on three sides. Despite these odds, the Pakistan Navy upheld its proud traditions.

Despite numerical disadvantages, the Pakistan Navy’s strategic edge has consistently outmatched adversaries.

PNS Hangor, under the command of Admiral than Commander Ahmed Tasnim, made history by sinking INS Khukri and forcing another Indian frigate, INS Kirpan, to flee. The superior tactical skill of Admiral Tasnim and his crew ensured success, even after being detected and pursued by an Indian hunt party. This was the first successful submarine kill since World War II.

In an interview author conducted with Admiral Tasnim, he revealed that PNS Hangor’s exploits led senior Indian naval officers to admit that the submarine’s actions forced India to cancel its third and largest planned attack on Karachi, fearing further losses.

Since the 1971 war, the Pakistan Navy has evolved into a four-dimensional force with air, surface, subsurface, and amphibious capabilities—enough to make adversaries take notice. Its leadership has played a crucial role in modernization, providing the nation with second-strike capability.

Today, the Navy is advancing towards AI-based platforms and investing in disruptive technologies to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests. While maintaining high operational standards—defending Pakistan’s maritime boundaries, securing sea lines of communication (SLOCs), and combating regional threats—the Pakistan Navy has also emerged as a symbol of peace and diplomacy.

As Pakistan’s Navy modernized and grew in strategic importance, it embraced a larger role in global maritime security, exemplified by the Aman Exercise. On February 7, 2025, Pakistan will host the ninth iteration of this naval exercise, which has grown into the world’s second-largest after RIMPAC, organized by the U.S. Navy since the 1970s.

Exercise Aman has transformed Pakistan into a global leader in naval diplomacy, bringing together 60 navies in 2025.

According to Vice Admiral Muhammad Haroon (Retd.), former Vice Chief of the Pakistan Navy, the name Aman, meaning “peace” in English, was suggested by Admiral Tahir (Retd.) and unanimously agreed upon by naval command. The goal was to bring together navies worldwide for discussions, maneuvers, and diplomacy to enhance interoperability.

The concept proved highly successful. For the first time, navies from the United States, China, Russia, and Iran operated together. The Pakistan Navy’s initiative sought to curb misunderstandings and promote maritime security. The exercise also allows participating nations to experience Pakistan’s culture. Aman 2025 is expected to feature 60 navies from diverse backgrounds.

Captain Adeeb uz Zaman Safvi describes Exercise Aman as a multidimensional opportunity to learn from other nations, understand different combat and security concepts, and showcase Pakistan’s maritime advancements. He also notes its economic benefits for Karachi, as visiting delegations contribute to local commerce.

Additionally, the exercise enables Pakistan to exhibit its indigenously developed systems and gain insights into the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), learning from global powers like the United States, China, and Russia. It helps Pakistan refine its strategies and focus on key technological advancements.

As the largest naval diplomatic activity hosted by Pakistan, the Aman exercise embodies Pakistan’s commitment to peace and cooperation at sea. The sincerity of this initiative is reflected in its growing participation—rising from 50 navies in 2023 to 60 in 2025.

The Pakistan Navy’s shift towards AI-based platforms and disruptive technologies secures its maritime future.

The scholar-sailors of Pakistan are making a profound impact on maritime security and naval diplomacy, driven by strategos and the divine spark of coordination. Meanwhile, India continues to increase its defense budget, entangled in Hindutva’s xenophobic bitterness, while Pakistan’s Navy works to unite the world for Aman—for peace.

Upon the tides, both fierce and free,
Sail scholars bold of the deep blue sea.
With wisdom sharp and courage bright,
They guard the waves by day and night.
Not just warriors, but minds profound,
In books and battles, they are found.
Charting courses, shaping fate,
Their knowledge makes the Navy great.
Through storms of war, through peace, they strive,
Keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive.
With hearts of steel and vision wide,
Scholars and sailors—our nation’s pride!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.