Naval chief witnesses Pak-China exercise

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah visited the Chinese Navy Ship Handan on Sunday at the sea during the on-going PN-PLA (N) bilateral exercise.

A Pakistan Navy statement said the exercise was being held in the Arabian Sea between the navies of the two countries from November 19 to 21.

The exercise covers wide-spectrum of maritime and naval operations by ships, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, joint boarding operations by special forces, air defence exercises, communication drills and joint manoeuvres by ships from both navies.

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini also accompanied the CNS during the visit.

During his visit onboard, the naval chief interacted with the the PLA (N) ship’s crew and appreciated their operational competence.

The admiral expressed his satisfaction over the regular visits of the PLA (N) ships and conduct of bilateral exercises between the two navies.

The naval chief said: “The Pak-China friendship was highly valued and the continued cooperation between them had proven to be a source of strength for both the countries.”

He said regular conduct of PN-PLA (N) bilateral exercises would further enhance the level of “cooperation” and “inter-operability” between the two navies that would contribute towards regional peace and stability.

Thereafter, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah visited PN Fleet Units and showed satisfaction over their readiness in keeping vigil over the PN area of responsibility.

During interaction with officers and men onboard, the admiral commended their morale, preparedness and resolve to defend the maritime frontiers of the motherland.  

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2016.