Pakistan Navy F22P Frigate launched

KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy fourth F22P Frigate was launched on Thursday. An impressive ceremony to this effect was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, was the chief guest at the launching ceremony.

The vessel is the fourth F22P Frigate built indigenously at the KSEW with the Chinese assistance. The first three such Frigates- PNS Zulfiqar, Shamsher and Saif, were built in China.

Admiral Noman Bashir remarked the launching of the F22P Frigate at the KSEW as a commendable accomplishment and a manifestation of the indigenous policy of the government specially attaining self-reliance in Maritime defence capabilities.

Acknowledging the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese engineers and technicians for the construction of F22P Frigate at the KSEW, he congratulated the China State Shipbuilding Company (CSSC) and the China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC), Hudong Zhongua and KSEW for launching the ship as per schedule.

Admiral Noman Bashir remarked that the occasion is yet another example of unparallel Pak-China relations which are founded on strong footing.

He said that launching of the warship being an important milestone has not only further strengthened our relations with Chinese friends but has also added colour and eminence to celebrations for 60 years of resounding friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Naval Chief also appreciated the turnaround of the KSEW that enabled it to meet challenges of constructing warships and attributed the success to sound planning of KSEW management and untiring efforts of the workforce.

He emphasized on building a strong Navy capable to defend the maritime interests of the country.

Admiral Noman Bashir reiterated that we do not possess any aggressive designs but our sea trade routes, vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and international energy lines that pass very close to our coast need to be protected which is not only in the interest of our country but of the entire international community. (APP)