The Annual Efficiency Competition Parade and awards ceremony of Pakistan Navy for the year 2011 was held at PN Dockyard on Friday. An ISPR (Navy) press release issued here said that Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, was the chief guest on the occasion.
It pointed out that the efficiency Parade, held every year, signifies the professional achievements of PN Fleet over the last 12 months and those Fleet units, achieved excellence in various categories, are awarded with shields to boost healthy competition within commands. Addressing the ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, said that PN was playing a key role in undertaking maritime security operations at sea.
He said that PN confronted with an adversary who was building up its naval strength in a big way much beyond her legitimate defence needs. "We must therefore offset this numerical disadvantage with our professional excellence and ingenious employment of operational art", Admiral Sandila added.
He highlighted that the government was fully cognisant of PN's requirements and was providing all available resources to modernise and upgrade Navy to fulfil its objectives and remain abreast with fast paced technological advancements. "We are vigorously pursuing development strategy for building a balanced Fleet", Admiral Sandila remarked and added that the induction of PNS Alamgir, Madadgar and Rasadgar, during the current year had added to our capability and operational flexibility.
"Furthermore, planned induction of fourth F-22P, Fast Attack Crafts (Missile) and modified P3Cs will further augment our capacity to ensure maritime defence of Pakistan", the Chief of the Naval Staff further stated.
In his welcome address, Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Zakaulllah, recounted the operational achievements of PN Fleet during the year 2011. In the end, the chief guest Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila gave away the prizes and congratulated all the efficiency winners.