The current security environment in the region has posed new challenges for Pakistan Navy. Notwithstanding, Pakistan government's unprecedented peace initiative with India, coupled with confidence building measures, we cannot afford to be complacent and must maintain a high state of operational preparedness as only maintenance of a credible deterrence guarantees peace.
This was stated by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir, while addressing the 90th officers commissioning parade of Pakistan Navy held at Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar here on Friday, says an ISPR (Navy) press release. It said that the chief guest further stated that our peacetime role of maritime policing, benign operations and diplomatic undertakings have increased manifolds.
This warrants not only an effective and reasonably modern Navy but also maintenance of right balance between quality and quantity. Admiral Noman observed that despite limited resources, the government is eager to modernise Pakistan Navy, adopting a two pronged approach that is acquisition from abroad with transfer of technology and indigenous construction.
'We have, Alhamdolillha, made considerable progress in achieving self reliance in the construction of ships, submarines and several other platforms indigenously. Construction of F-22 P frigates in collaboration with China, would further enhance our shipbuilding capability and strengthen the offensive punch of Pakistan Navy. Besides, acquisition of suitably equipped used ships is also on our top priority', he added.
Commenting on Pakistan's maritime strategy, Chief of the Naval Staff termed it paramount to consolidate our maritime capability and infrastructure. In the context of Gwadar Deep-Sea Port and Coastal Highway, he said that these developments would certainly provide fresh impetus to the economic activities related to sea and strengthen our national economy.
On the other hand, the Naval Chief continued, this calls for a provocative role of Pakistan Navy in maintenance of conducive maritime security environment. Earlier, in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Muhammad Hisham highlighted salient features of the training being imparted to naval cadets.
He apprised that the passing out term consisted of 38 Midshipmen. He also informed that the cadets from friendly countries of Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Yemen are also extended training at the academy. Later, Chief of the Naval Staff gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Ali Ahmed was awarded Sword of Honour.
Cadet Zeeshan Zafar and Cadet Yousaf Abdullah were proclaimed winner of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff gold medals respectively. Midshipman Farjad Dildar was given PNA Dirk. Main Top Squadron received Proficiency Banner. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior serving and retired naval officers, foreign diplomats, civil dignitaries and parents and relatives of the passing out cadets.