The Pakistan Navy Ship 'Aslat' arrived at the Port of Male' on March 13, 2025, for a four-day goodwill visit, marking the first such visit in seven years.

'Aslat' is the fourth ship of the Sword-class frigate series, built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works in Pakistan, and was launched on June 16, 2011.

The ship’s name, derived from an Arabic word, refers to a type of sword historically used during early Islamic times.

Upon its arrival, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) extended a warm traditional welcome.

During the ship’s stay, its commanding officer, Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram, is set to meet senior MNDF officials to discuss collaborative initiatives.

Joint activities aimed at enhancing professional ties and military coordination between the two forces are also planned.

In addition to strengthening bilateral ties, the ship delivered a consignment of 15 different types of military equipment approved for export to the Maldives.

The visit is aimed at further strengthening the existing strong relationship between Maldives and Pakistan as well as a manifestation of the strong, diplomatic, economic, cultural, defence and security ties between the two brotherly countries.

Talks on formalizing future collaboration through agreements on maritime security and military training are also expected during the visit.