Pakistan Navy Pursuing Comprehensive Development Strategy
Pakistan Times National News Desk

KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy is vigorously pursuing a comprehensive developmental strategy for building a balanced fleet comprising modern frigates, submarines and air assets to meet our peace and war time requirements. This was stated by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir.

He was addressing Pakistan Navy fleet Seminar at the PNS Jauhar Auditorium here on Monday, says an ISPR (Navy) press release.

The Naval Chief said that construction of Agosta submarines, acquisition of F-22 P frigates and P-3C aircraft are some tangible measures to give necessary boost to the professional capabilities of Pakistan Navy.

He said that Pakistan Navy specially needs potent surface units to perform a wide range of benign, constabulary and military tasks.

Admiral Tahir said the contract with Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works for the construction of two small tanker cum utility ships within next two years is an important step in this direction.

He congratulated all the panel members for presenting well researched papers and making comprehensive recommendations.

The Naval Chief assured that the recommendations made during the seminar would be given due consideration at appropriate level.

He also urged the officers to continue to maintain the existing assets in optimum operational state besides wholeheartedly pursuing acquisition of latest platforms and weaponry.

In his welcome address, the Commander of Pakistan Fleet Vice-Admiral Noman Bashir said that the last few decades have seen an overwhelming technological influx and computerization in the field of naval warfare.

To live up to the demands of this modern era and to shape up as a force with meaningful deterrence, need to continue with our quest for technological advancements, research and development and above all enhance our knowledge through constant and untiring efforts, he added.

Earlier, papers were presented on various subjects analyzing the available options to meet the envisaged requirement of surface platforms and to recommend the way ahead.

The seminar was attended by a large number of senior officers and officers of Pakistan Navy.●