Pakistan Navy’s PNS Aslat Visits Maldives to Reinforce Maritime Relations

The Pakistani naval frigate, PNS Aslat, arrived in the Maldives on March 13, 2025, for a four-day visit, marking a significant moment in the defense and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives. The ship was warmly welcomed by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) upon its arrival, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The visit serves as a strategic initiative to further solidify the existing defense cooperation and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the Maldives. As part of the visit, the Pakistan Navy and MNDF will conduct a series of joint activities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening operational coordination. According to the Pakistani Embassy in the Maldives, these collaborative efforts underscore the longstanding partnership between the two countries and provide a platform for knowledge exchange between Maldivian and Pakistani naval officers.
The Commanding Officer of PNS Aslat, Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram, is scheduled to meet senior MNDF officials during the visit. These high-level engagements are expected to facilitate discussions on defense cooperation and pave the way for future joint initiatives.
Built at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) Ltd, PNS Aslat is the fourth vessel in the F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate series. The warship was launched in 2011 and commissioned into military service in 2013. Named after the legendary Aslat sword, historically used by Arab warriors, the ship represents Pakistan’s maritime strength and commitment to regional security.
In a statement, the Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives emphasized the importance of this visit as a testament to the strong diplomatic, economic, cultural, defense, and security ties between the two countries. The Commission further highlighted that such engagements contribute significantly to enhancing interoperability between the two naval forces and fostering greater regional cooperation.
The visit of PNS Aslat underscores the enduring brotherly relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening defense collaboration and regional security partnerships.