President terms ‘PNS KHAIBAR’ commissioning a significant milestone in maritime defence

ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, termed the commissioning of a Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship ‘PNS KHAIBAR’ in Turkiye as an important milestone for the national maritime defense.
The president felicitated the Pakistan Navy, defense experts, and all partners on the commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
During a ceremony at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the chief guest.
President Zardari said the commissioning of the modern naval vessel would further strengthen the defence of country’s maritime frontiers and security.
“The defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye reflects the mutual trust and long-standing brotherly relations,” he added.
The president also reaffirmed his commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry.
He opined that enhancing naval power was essential for the protection of Pakistan’s economy, trade and sea routes.
The MILGEM-class ship project was a successful precedent of the technical expertise and shared vision of both countries, he further added.
The ISPR in a separate press release said that PN MILGEM ships were the most technologically advanced surface platforms. These vessels are equipped with latest Command and Control Systems integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors, it said.
“The contract for construction of 4 MILGEM class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and M/s ASFAT, Turkiye in 2018, wherein two Ships planned to be constructed at Turkiye and remaining two ships in Pakistan. Commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of construction of both Ships at Turkiye,” it added.