KARACHI — Amid the increasing maritime challenges in the India Ocean, Pakistan is striving to build a potent naval force and strong maritime defence.
The latest induction of the state of the art ships is part of Pakistan’s efforts to enhance Pakistan Navy’s capability and safeguard the country’s maritime interests.
According to a post shared by the Pakistan Navy on its official Instagram handle on Friday, “The induction ceremony of PNS TAIMUR, second of four Type 054-A/P multi role frigates, was held at PN Dockyard, Karachi. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the occasion as Chief Guest.”
The post says, “The contract for four multi-role frigates (Type 054-A/P) for Pakistan Navy was signed between Pakistan and China in June 2018. PNS TUGHRIL, the lead ship of Type 054-A/P was inducted into PN fleet in January this year.
“The second ship PNS TAIMUR was commissioned on 23 Jun 22 at Shanghai, China. During return passage to Pakistan, PNS TAIMUR port called Hong Kong, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and participated in bilateral naval exercises with various friendly countries.”
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff said that Type 054-A/P frigates were state of the art, potent and multipurpose platforms which would serve the Pakistan Navy for years to come. He said that such projects were a manifestation of the trust and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Pakistan’s time-tested friends.
On this occasion, the naval chief highlighted the importance of developing a geostrategic environment in the Indian Ocean and laid stress on the need to have a potent naval force in order to counter rising maritime challenges.
He underlined the importance of a strong maritime defence and security for Pakistan and reiterated that induction of state of the art ships would significantly enhance Pakistan Navy’s capability to safeguard the maritime interests of Pakistan.
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Later, the chief guest handed over the traditional ship’s scroll to the Commander of the Pakistan Fleet followed by prayers.
The ceremony was attended by worthy guests from the Embassy of China in Pakistan and serving and retired officers of all three wings of the Pakistan’s armed forces.