KARACHI: Navy starts constructing multipurpose crafts
KARACHI, April 4: The Pakistan Navy achieved another landmark in the field of indigenous development and combat vessel building by launching the construction of the multipurpose auxiliary crafts in collaboration with the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
The keel laying ceremony for the crafts was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works here on Friday morning. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (projects), Rear Admiral Sikandar Vaqar Naqvi, performed the launching.
The contract encompasses construction of two multipurpose auxiliary crafts at the KSEW within two years. Each craft will be 38 meters long, eight meters wide and weigh 250 tons.
Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Sikandar Vaqar said that undertaking construction work of those viable combat platforms was an indicator of the high degree of professionalism, mental strength, zeal and dedication of the experts and workers of the Pakistan Navy.
“The project is a challenge to the innovative skills of these workers, and has been accepted by them with vigour and courage. Faith in the Almighty and selfless devotion to the task will ease down all the hurdles in achieving the desired results,” he said.
He said the project would open numerous avenues of opportunities for the KSEW to enhance its capability of undertaking bigger projects. These crafts would undoubtedly add to the strength, capabilities and pride of Pakistan Navy, he noted.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Rear Admiral Azhar Hussain, Managing Director KSEW, thanked the Pakistan Navy for the assistance being provided to the Karachi Shipyard. He expressed the resolve to complete the project on time. The ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, KSEW officers and civil dignitaries.
PASSING-OUT: “In the present global scenario sea plays a vital role in the economic development of a nation, and being a littoral state Pakistan’s economy is heavily dependent on sea-borne trade, thus Pakistan Navy plays a central role in our national maritime and economic development,” said Commander Karachi, Vice-Admiral Irafan Ahmed.
He was addressing the passing out parade of new-entry sailors held at the PNS Himalaya on Friday. He said that the nation had entrusted them with the sacred responsibility of defending the sea-frontiers of the motherland. He expressed the confidence that they would measure up to the expectations of the nation and would always keep national interests above self-interest.
He said that despite monetary constraints, the government was investing a substantial amount on the training of sailors, “therefore we should be ready to pay back with all the devotion whenever called by the nation”.
He advised the passing out sailors to make earnest endeavours to update their knowledge and skill and keep abreast of the latest technological advances in the field of naval weaponry and information technology. He congratulated the passing out sailors particularly those who excelled during their training and won prizes.
In his welcome address, Captain Aslam Rana, Commanding Officer PNS Himalaya, highlighted the salient features of the sailor‘s training and shed light on the performance of the passing out batch.
Later the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners.
The ceremony was attended by senior naval officers. A large number of CPOs/sailors and relatives of the passing out sailors attended the ceremony.—PPI
