Sticking to peace is not a sign of weakness, says CNS

Admiral Zakaullah says navy is fully capable of hitting back if war is imposed

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Saturday said Pakistan’s commitment for peace must not be construed as a weakness.

His statement was echoed by Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, who said that Pakistan, though peace-loving country, will answer any aggression befittingly.

While visiting forward posts at the Creeks area to review the navy’s combat readiness, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said the force is “fully capable of hitting back with all its might if war is imposed” on Pakistan.



Interacting with the navy personnel, the Naval chief lauded their level of motivation and determination to safeguard the maritime frontiers of the country. He also exhorted them to come up to the expectations and confidence which their countrymen have put into them.

Earlier in the day, the admiral also visited Fleet Headquarters Karachi where he was briefed by Vice Admiral Hussaini about operational matters and highest state of vigil being maintained at sea frontiers.

The Commander Pakistan Fleet also visited naval fleet units at sea on Saturday to review their operational preparedness. Interacting with navy officers, he said: “Pakistan is a peace-loving country which wants peace and prosperity in the region.”



However, any act of aggression will be answered befittingly. Pakistan Navy is professionally capable and potent force and is fully prepared to counter any challenge from the adversary,” he added.

Pakistan, Iran navies begin joint drill

Pakistan and Iran on Saturday started their bilateral naval exercise with a focus on maritime rescue, near the port of Karachi in Pakistan’s territorial waters.

The joint maritime exercise between the two countries was launched after necessary coordination between commanders the Pakistan Navy and of Iranian Navy’s 43rd fleet, which docked at Karachi for participating in joint drills on September 27.

“Numerous exercises were carried out during the joint event including search and rescue training, vertical helicopter exchange, communication exercises using flags, lights, radiographs as well as formation and composition of floating units of Iran and Pakistan,” reported Iran’s Mehr news agency.



Iranian fleet at the joint maneuvre comprised ‘Konarak’ logistic carrier, ‘Lavan’ chopper carrier, ‘Khanjar’ and ‘Falakhen’ missile boats in addition to an A-B helicopter.

Several other programme were also held including a meeting with officials and commanders of the Pakistan Navy, as well as a visit to Pakistan’s floating units, in order to conduct educational and maritime exchanges, the agency said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2016.