ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP):Pakistan Navy (PN) Fleet Monday marked Annual Efficiency Competition Parade and award ceremony rejoicing the culmination of its operational year held at PN Dockyard, Karachi, said a message received here by the Directorate of Public Relations PN.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi graced the occasion as Chief Guest where upon his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Commander Pakistan Fleet.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his remarks, expressed his satisfaction over operational capabilities of PN Fleet and lauded professionalism of officers and men in successfully achieving operational objectives and completing the assigned tasks. The Naval Chief emphasized upon the three pillars of Pakistan Navy’s vision for achieving desired goals which include Combat Readiness, Jump-start the Maritime Sector and Ideological Domain.
The Naval Chief stressed upon maintaining perpetual vigilance and operational readiness of PN Fleet to safeguard National Maritime Interests. He remarked that initiatives like Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) were the manifestation of PN resolve and commitment to ensure safe and secure Sea Lanes.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi further highlighted that while conducting Security Patrols, PN ships were now engaged in convoy escorting of Merchant Ships in piracy infested areas. He further apprised that to meet the operational requirement of Pakistan Fleet, contracts with China and Turkey for construction of four type 054A frigates and four Turkish Milgem Class Corvettes have been signed respectively.
The Naval Chief expressed satisfaction over progress made in operationalization of Gwadar Port and PN obligations for the security of maritime components of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He reiterated that Pakistan Navy would remain fully prepared to respond any aggression against Pakistan and would remain committed to maintain peace and lawful order at sea in the region and beyond. The Naval Chief also paid homage to PN officers and sailors who scarified their lives during various operations.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Commander Pakistan Fleet presented the operational achievements of PN Fleet and presented the resume of Fleet activities undertaken during the year 2018.
Later, the Chief Guest conferred on prizes on units adjudged the best in their respective squadrons and interacted with officers and CPOs/ sailors of PN Fleet.
