Naval chief announces construction of shipyard in Gwadar

Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi addresses seminar at naval engineering college in Karachi

Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi said on Thursday that the government had approved construction of a shipyard in Gwadar aimed at boosting the local shipping industry.

"The construction of the shipyard will begin immediately," a statement quoted Admiral Abbasi as saying during a seminar at the force's engineering college in Karachi.

The speakers emphasised coordination between navy and the local shipping industry in order to achieve self-reliance.

The naval chief, the statement said, stressed increasing the number of seaports in cognisance of maritime challenges and future needs.

Pakistan Navy, he added, safeguards the 'blue economy' and there was a need to increase awareness in the country relating to the importance of the maritime affairs.

Admiral Abbasi underscored coordination as the key in this age of globalisation and advancing technology.