Karachi: “I feel reassured that Pakistan Navy is fully committed and ready to effectively protect our maritime frontiers including Gwadar Port and CPEC projects against all challenges and threats,” Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Sunday.
He was speaking at a ceremony after the combat units of Pakistan Navy conducted operational demonstration and fleet review in the North Arabian Sea.
Upon arrival onboard, the Prime minister was welcomed by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. The Prime Minister was briefed on the overall conduct of operational demonstration.
The Prime Minister witnessed different operational exercises conducted in the sea. These serials included replenishment of men and material from one ship to another, rocket depth charge (RDC) firing by ship and aircraft and helicopter borne visit board search and seizure exercises. The Prime Minister was also presented an impressive fly past by various aircrafts and helicopters. In the end, all participating ships carried out skim pasts in a column formation.
After reviewing the operational demonstrations by Pakistan Navy fleet combatants, the Prime Minister arrived at Jinnah Naval Base Ormara, where he visited the base facilities and installations including remote data station Mianwali. He expressed his satisfaction over the operational preparedness of Naval Defence facilities and also appreciated social development initiatives undertaken by Pakistan Navy, along the Makran coastal belt, especially in health and education sector. He said he hoped that these efforts would go a long way in alleviating socio-economic hardship of Balochistan residents.
Later, the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi set sail onboard Pakistan Navy submarine Saad in North Arabian Sea. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, also accompanied the Premier during his maiden voyage onboard the submarine. The Prime Minister was briefed on the history of Pakistan Navy submarine force and achievements made by this elite force during 1965 and 1971 wars. Prime Minister also conducted submarine diving and surfacing procedures after which he was presented with the traditional Dolphin insignia, bestowed to submariners.
During the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with officers and men and praised their morale and dedication for defending the maritime frontiers under the challenging environment. The Prime Minister expressed his utmost satisfaction on the operational preparedness of the naval forces.
Published in Daily Times, December 25th 2017.
