July 25, 2007	Wednesday	Rajab 09, 1428

BEIJING, July 24: An impressive keel-laying ceremony of PNS Zulfiquar was held at the Hudong Zhongua Shipyard in Shanghai on Tuesday. Secretary for Defence Production Lt-Gen (Retd) Shahid Siddiq Tirmizey HI(M) was the chief guest at the colourful ceremony which was attended by representatives of the ministry, Naval Headquarters, PN Mission and officials of the shipyard.

Under an agreement inked between ministry of defence (production) and China Ship Building and Trading Company, four frigates would be constructed for Pakistan Navy.

They have been designated as Sword class ships and the construction of the first ship PNS Zulfiquar commenced in October at the Hudong Zhongua Shipyard.

The Sword class ships will be equipped with latest weapons and sensors system and will also carry new Z9EC ASW helicopters. The helicopters are also being manufactured in China.—APP