KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to further strengthen the Pakistan Navy to protect the country’s geo-economic interests and maritime frontiers. He made this call while welcoming the induction of two modern naval vessels, the MILGEM Class Corvette Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Babur and the Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS Hunain, into the Pakistan Navy fleet during a ceremony at the PN Dockyard on Friday.
Addressing the audience, President Zardari highlighted the importance of these vessels in enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities. “The induction of PNS Babur and PNS Hunain is a milestone in fortifying Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities,” he stated. He emphasized that these ships will equip the Navy to handle its ever-growing operational responsibilities, particularly in countering both conventional and asymmetric threats.
The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Deputy Minister of National Defence of Turkiye, Bilal Burdali, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, senior representatives of the construction yards, high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces, and political leadership. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion for Pakistan’s national defense.
PNS Babur, a multipurpose warship, was built at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and commissioned on September 23, 2023. PNS Hunain, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, was constructed at DAMEN Shipyard in Romania and commissioned on July 25, 2024. These ships, equipped with the latest technology, will enable the Pakistan Navy to fulfill its critical role in defending the country’s maritime boundaries and safeguarding sea lanes crucial for economic growth.
Pakistan Navy’s Vital Role
President Zardari further praised the Pakistan Navy’s vital role in ensuring maritime security, contributing to regional stability, and supporting the country’s economic development by protecting crucial sea routes. “The Navy is ensuring the continuous flow of maritime commerce and defending our boundaries, all while unlocking the potential of the blue economy for Pakistan’s economic growth,” he said. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and securing peace and prosperity.
The President also paid tribute to the martyrs on Defence and Martyrs’ Day, acknowledging their bravery in defending the nation. “This day serves as a reminder of the courage, unity, and determination of our Armed Forces and citizens who stood firm against external aggression,” he said, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
President Zardari expressed his gratitude to the teams from Pakistan, Turkiye, and the Dutch DAMEN Shipyard in Romania for their efforts in constructing the newly inducted ships. “These ships symbolize our strong friendship with Turkiye and our trust in the Dutch DAMEN Shipyard,” he remarked. He noted that this collaboration would further enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities.
In his welcome address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf hailed the induction of the two ships as a significant achievement in enhancing the Navy’s capacity. He acknowledged the government’s full support and commended the professionalism of the teams involved in the project.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the Commanding Officers and crew of PNS Babur and PNS Hunain, with best wishes for their future endeavors in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
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