Pakistan Navy Launches New Ship
Karachi: Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM-class ship PNS Tariq launched at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW), in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President of Turkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz..
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials from Pakistan and Turkiye including officers and key representatives of Pakistan Navy, ASFAT and KS&EW.
While addressing on the occasion, the Prime Minister of Pakistan admired the collaboration of the Ministry of Defence Production, Ministry of National Defence of Turkiye, ASFAT, KS&EW and Pakistan Navy for synergised efforts to make the project a success and congratulated them on successful launch of the ship. He added that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye is unique because of deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries and defence cooperation.
Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz while addressing the ceremony termed the strong Pakistan-Turkiye relations as exemplary and acknowledged the potential for more collaboration in the field defence production. He lauded the efforts and remarkable work done by KS&EW and ASFAT, and emphasised for adopting proactive approach for timely completion of undergoing projects. He strongly condemned the recent incidents of terrorism in Pakistan and appreciated the people of Pakistan for their support during the earthquake in Turkiye recent February.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi during his speech highlighted that these ships will significantly enhance Pakistan Navy’s combat potential and will augment peace and security in the region. The Admiral emphasised that PN has kept the policy of indigenisation at the forefront and hence it is very satisfying to see the state of the art warship being built in the country.
Managing Director of KS&EW Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas in his welcome address highlighted that Karachi Shipyard is fully cognisant and completely aligned with the goals set forth by the government of Pakistan for self- reliance in defence shipbuilding industry.
Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM-class ships are the most technologically advanced surface platforms being constructed for the Pakistan Navy. The ships will be fitted with the latest command and control systems, including modern weapons and sensors. The contract for construction of four MILGEM-class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and Turkish firm ASFAT in 2018. Under the contract, two ships are under construction at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the other two are being constructed at KS&EW, Karachi.—shp/adj/aaa (Image: Pakistan Navy)