Pakistan Navy marks year-end with 'efficiency competition parade'

PN chief Admiral Abbasi expresses satisfaction over operational capabilities of the PN Fleet

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy marked the end of 2018 with the Annual Efficiency Competition Parade and award ceremony at PN Dockyard in Karachi on Monday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was the chief guest of the ceremony. He was received by Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi upon his arrival, said a statement issued here by the country’s naval forces.

The naval chief, in his remarks, expressed his satisfaction over operational capabilities of the PN Fleet and lauded professionalism of officers and men in successfully achieving operational objectives and completing the assigned tasks. He emphasised upon the three pillars of Pakistan Navy's vision for achieving desired goals which include Combat Readiness, Jump-start the Maritime Sector and Ideological Domain.



Admiral Abbasi stressed upon maintaining perpetual vigilance and operational readiness of the PN Fleet to safeguard the national maritime interests. He stated that initiatives like Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) are manifestation of the Pakistan Navy’sresolve and commitment to ensure safe and secure Sea Lanes.

The admiral further highlighted that while conducting Security Patrols, the PN ships are now engaged in convoy escorting of Merchant Ships in piracy infested areas. He further apprise that, to meet the operational requirement of Pakistan Fleet, contracts with China and Turkey for construction of four type 054A frigates and four Turkish Milgem Class Corvettes have been signed respectively.



The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed satisfaction over progress made in operationalisation of Gwadar Port and the PN obligations for the security of maritime components of CPEC. He reiterated that Pakistan Navy will remain fully prepared to respond any aggression against Pakistan and will remain committed to maintain peace and lawful order at sea in the region and beyond. The naval chief also paid homage to the PN officers and sailors who scarified their lives to during various operations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the commander Pakistan fleet presented the operational achievements of the PN Fleet and presented the resume of Fleet activities undertaken during the year 2018.

The chief guest gave away prizes to units adjudged the best in their respective squadrons and interacted with officers and CPOs and sailors of the PN Fleet.