KARACHI, Nov 3: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that an extraordinary level of operational preparedness is the key to safeguarding sea frontiers and thwarting aggressive designs.

He was addressing the officers and sailors of the Pakistan Navy at the Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara, says an ISPR press release issued here on Friday.

“We will keep constant presence in the region through naval operations, maritime diplomacy and exercises with foreign navies. Pakistan Navy’s continued participation in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan is an extension to this policy and has brought laurels from the entire world,” he said.

On arrival at the Jinnah Naval Base, the president was received by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir.

The base is the secondary port complex providing flexibility to the navy in carrying out naval operations towards the west of Karachi. The base houses infrastructure for operations and maintenance of sea going units.

The president said: “I expect and am confident that you will exhibit highest degree of professionalism and dedication and keep yourself abreast with the latest doctrine and procedures to deter any threat or act of terrorism from the seaward,” he added.

The president reaffirmed resolve to fulfil requirements of the navy.

He said the indigenous programme of submarine construction had included Pakistan in the elite club of few countries of the world which had mastered the technology. F 22-P Frigate, P3-C Orion aircraft and Z-9 C helicopter deals would augment the existing fleet, he added.

The president was briefed on the salient features of Ormara Port. He had a walk around different facilities and mingled with the sailors and civilian workers. —-APP