KARACHI, Pakistan: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah Saturday said that the significance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for enhancing regional trade from Gwadar Port is the focal point.
Addressing the launching ceremony of 3rd Fast Attack Craft (Missile), he said “providing a safe and secure maritime environment is pivotal to the success of CPEC and that Pakistan Navy is fully committed to this onerous task and a number of steps have been taken towards this end. The third of the FAC (M) and MPVs, once fully operational, will contribute significantly towards ensuring maritime security in the area”, he added.
Launching ceremony of 3rd Fast Attack Craft (Missile); FAC (M), being built for Pakistan Navy, and Keel laying of 600 tons Maritime Patrol Vessel (MPV), being built for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering works (KS&EW).
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The Naval Chief highly appreciated the simultaneous launching of 3rd FAC (M) and Keel Laying of 600 tons MPV and said that the accomplishment of these diverse milestones is indeed a loud manifestation of the indigenization policy of the government especially attaining self-reliance in defence capabilities.
He acknowledged that presently three vessels are being constructed at KS&EW with the technical collaboration of Pakistan’s time tested friend China.
While highlighting Pakistan’s geostrategic importance, Admiral Zakaullah emphasized that induction of these vessels would not only enhance operational capability of Pakistan Navy and PMSA but also go a long way in ensuring maritime peace and stability in the region.
The Naval Chief underlined that accomplishment of CPEC will be a game changer with economic dividends not only for China and Pakistan but also for the entire region.
Earlier, MD KS&EW Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, in his welcome address said that, presently KS&EW has number of shipbuilding orders and soon will be simultaneously constructing ships on all three slipways.
While highlighting other production areas of KS&EW, he mentioned that graving docks are already booked for various ship repair activities till next year and recently established foundry has orders for 25 Sugar Mill Rollers, along with manufacturing of seven cranes for Pakistan Railways.
He informed that the Ship Lift & Transfer System is progressing satisfactorily and with its completion, KS&EW’s capacity of shipbuilding and ship repair would be enhanced from 5 to 18 ships at a time.
This will significantly increase KS&EW revenue generation thereby enabling high tax return and resultantly more jobs.
The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials and dignitaries from China, Pakistan Navy, government authorities and corporate sector.
