Pakistan Maritime Security Ship Kashmir, the first 1500 tons and fourth in the series of six Multi Purpose Patrol Vessels (MPVs), was commissioned on 20 July 2018 at Guangzhou, China. Lieutenant General Zamir Ul Hassan Shah HI(M) (Retd) Secretary Defence graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Director General Pakistan Maritime security Agency Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman SI (M), Vice Chairman CSSC, President CSTC, Chairman Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard and other civilian and military dignitaries.
The 94 meter MPV, PMSS KASHMIR displaces 1550 tons of water and is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, communication and navigational equipment. The ship is propelled by two advanced diesel engines to achieve a maximum speed of 26 Knots and has an endurance of 3500 nautical miles. The ship is an ideal platform of PMSA, capable of undertaking multifarious missions such as surveillance and policing. Anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations, security and law enforcements patrolling in maritime zones. Pollution monitoring and control, search and rescue operations while operating independently or as part of a Task Force in Multi Threat Environment for extended duration of period at sea due to capability of replenishment and ship borne helo operations.
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Defence congratulated the M/s CSTC, Haungpu Wenchong Shipyard, HQ PMSA and all stake holder involved in the project for continuous persuasion of the project for its success. He also highlighted the historic and time tested relationship with our great friend, China. He emphasized the importance of this project for the maritime security of our region in general and for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in particular. He said that Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is not only safeguarding Pakistan's maritime Security ably, but also playing an important role for maritime security in the regional context. He vouched that this potent platform PMSS KASHMIR will further add to the capability of PMSA in contributing to the maritime security.
Chief Guest expressed that PMSS KASHMIR, as its name implies, is a symbol of our solidarity with our integral part Kashmir. The people of Kashmir are engaged in a heroic struggle and continue to lay supreme sacrifices for their rights.
This ship, being the largest one in PMSA fleet, has, therefore, been named "KASHMIR" to show our resolve towards the cause of Kashmir and solidarity with our great Kashmiri brothers and sisters.-PR