PM Nawaz inaugurates the navy’s new fleet tanker in Karachi. PHOTO: PPI
“The ongoing development programmes of the government, including the CPEC, stipulate the aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and trans-shipment with Gwadar as the focal point,” Nawaz said on Friday.
He was speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of the 17,000-ton Fleet Tanker that is built with the cooperation of Turkish shipbuilding firm Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM) at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW). He said the government was committed to consolidating maritime infrastructure along the coast from Karachi to Gwadar, which is the terminal point of the CPEC, the multi-billion dollar network of road and rail links starting from western China.
“Pakistan is blessed with a long coastline and is strategically located at the mouth of the Gulf. There are extensive trade and maritime activities being undertaken at two major seaports of Karachi,” he said.
“These will increase manifold with growth in the country’s financial and industrial base. Additional capacity has to be created to support expansion in these activities,” he added.
Pakistan Navy’s newly built 17,000-ton fleet tanker seen ready for sailing during its launching ceremony held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering works. PHOTO: APP
Nawaz expressed pleasure over the launch of the largest warship prepared in the country by Karachi Shipyard. “The launching of the ship is a gift to the nation on its 70th Independence Day,” he said.
The PM said the Fleet Tanker, built in collaboration with Turkey under the Ministry of Defence Production and Pakistan Navy, was a true testament to ‘our efforts’ towards indigenisation and enhanced collaboration with our brotherly country.
“I hope that this cooperation will continue in future and more ships will be built in Karachi Shipyard in collaboration with Turkish firms,” Nawaz said, as he congratulated the Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan Navy, STM Turkey and Karachi Shipyard for launching the ship ahead of schedule.
The PM said Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker would always be remembered as an icon of Pakistan-Turkey friendship.
He said the Fleet Tanker would further strengthen the two countries’ relations. This initiative would open more opportunities for further cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of indigenous warship construction and other defence sector products.
Nawaz said Karachi Shipyard was an exceptional story of success in public sector which should be emulated by other similar organisations.
He said the successful construction of the Fleet Tanker would play a vital role towards achieving self-reliance in defence production and the government would continue to support the policy of indigenisation in all technological spheres.
Nawaz appreciated the workforce and management of Karachi Shipyard for transforming it into a profitable and viable organisation and announced a bonus of Rs100 million for its employees.
Later, the prime minister cut the fastening strings and the Fleet Tanker was moved into the sea with the help of a tugboat at the platform of Karachi Shipyard.
The ship is capable of independently operating at sea for up to three months. The double hull tanker is compliant with latest International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Marine Pollution (Marpol) regulations.
It will provide logistics support to Pakistan Navy units at sea through transfer of liquid and dry cargo and is also capable of undertaking combat support operation through embarked helicopters. It is also equipped with modern medical facilities to support navy fleet units, both during war and disaster relief operations.
Meetings at Governor House
In a meeting with the Sindh governor and chief minister at the Governor House, Nawaz said his government would not compromise on law and order situation in the metropolis and Karachi Operation will continue till its logical end.
“We have pursued the National Action Plan (NAP) to counter terrorism and the next phase of the NAP will be devised with the consultation of provincial government by August 23,” Nawaz added.
During the meeting, the chief minister and governor briefed the prime minister about the law and order situation and the ongoing development schemes, especially green line bus project sponsored by the federal government.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2016.
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