The Pakistan Navy today began a massive exercise aimed at assessing its operational readiness and preparing its personnel to operate in a "multi-threat environment".

The "Seaspark 2009" exercise, spanning six weeks, is being conducted in the North Arabian Sea.

All operational units of the Pakistan Navy, including warships, submarines and aircraft, and personnel from the Special Services Group and Marines are participating in the wargame, an official statement said.

The exercise has been divided into four phases-preparatory, mobilisation, war and analysis. The opening briefing of the exercise held this morning in Karachi was presided over by naval chief Admiral Noman Bashir. Units from the Pakistan Air Force are also participating in the exercise.