Two maritime patrol vessels built at China for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) were commissioned on December 10, 2016 in a ceremony held at Guangzhou, China. The ships have been named as PMSS HINGOL and PMSS BASOL. Lieutenant General Zamir Ul Hassan Shah (Retd), Secretary Defense graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Director General PMSA, President of China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited (CSTC) and other civilian and Military Officials.
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Defense congratulated Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, M/s China Ship Building Trading Company and other stake holders involved in the project for successful completion of first two ships of the overall project of 6 x Maritime Patrol Ships. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress of project and also applauded the efforts of all concerned for meeting the highest quality standards in construction of these ships, almost 4 months ahead of the contract schedule. The Chief Guest highlighted the significance of the project along with wide ranging cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, economic trade and defense between Pakistan and Peoples Republic of China.
He said that addition of these potent and latest ships in PMSA surface Fleet Squadron will not only enhance Pakistan's capabilities at sea but through transfer of technology, ship building industry will also greatly get benefited. Earlier Director General Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar, during his welcome address highlighted the requirement of a stronger Maritime Security Agency in the overall security environment of North Arabian Sea particularly in the wake of CPEC project. He said that realizing the Maritime security needs; Government of Pakistan undertook this program as a timely response to evolving challenges in Maritime domain. -PR