PN capable to defend coastal line: Naval Chief

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi Wednesday expressed satisfaction over operational readiness of Pakistan Navy in prevalent maritime challenges, including security aspects related to Gwadar Port and maritime components of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Project.

He was addressing as chief guest at Pakistan Navy Coastal Command Annual Efficiency Competition Parade at PNS Qasim, Manora, said a press release issued here by Directorate of Public Relations of Pakistan Navy.

Upon arrival, the Naval Chief was received by Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani.

Efficiency Competition Parade is conducted annually by Coastal Command of Pakistan Navy to mark the culmination of its operational year wherein efficiency shields are awarded to the selected units based on their achievements throughout the year.

The Naval Chief said that Coastal Command of Pakistan Navy had been entrusted with the onerous task of safeguarding the Coast from Sir Creek to Jiwani, under challenging internal and external security situation and harsh topographic environment.

He reiterated Pakistan Navy’s unflinching resolve to ensure seaward defence of vital maritime infrastructure and protection of maritime interests of Pakistan against all threats and challenges.

Admiral Zafar said that Pakistan Navy was maintaining a robust security posture along the Pakistani Coast and in regional seas to deter the nefarious elements from any illegal activity. This effort, however, requires constant struggle and Pakistan Navy is ready to defend the motherland from all external and internal threats at all cost.

He emphasized 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. While emphasizing significance of Blue Economy and Pakistan’s Maritime potential, the Naval Chief remarked that for Pakistan’s economic prosperity, focus towards Maritime sector, its development and security was indispensable.

He underscored various initiatives of PN including conduct of national maritime security workshops, seminars and linkage with business community to provide an insight and a good grasp over what tremendous potential maritime sector held and to tap these resources for the country’s economic prosperity.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Commander Coast Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani highlighted the operational achievements of Coastal Command and presented a resume of activities undertaken during the year 2018. He said that the Coastal Command, besides other operational activities had also actively participated in major Maritime Exercise “Seaspark 2018”.

Later, the Naval Chief gave away efficiency shields to the units for their best performance, during the year 2018.