KARACHI: A delegation of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, headed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, visited installations and facilities of the Pakistan Navy (PN) during their three-day visit to Karachi and other areas along the coastal belt.

The 11-member delegation visited Fleet Headquarters, Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works and Fleet Units where they inspected ships and submarines, said a press release issued by Pakistan Navy on Saturday.

The visitors were briefed on the emerging contemporary challenges in the region and the PN’s role in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was present during the briefing.

The delegation was apprised of the adversary’s massive naval build-up, particularly the acquisition of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, which was seen as a matter of serious concern not just for Pakistan, but also for regional peace.

The senators, who were also briefed on the navy’s indigenisation programme, visited the Jinnah Naval Base at Ormara, considered the future home port of the PN Fleet. They were informed about various developmental projects.

The delegation was apprised of the navy’s contributions towards nation-building and initiatives to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the Baloch people living along the Makran coastal belt.

During a visit to Cadet College Ormara, where almost 50 per cent of the cadets are from Balochistan, the senators were briefed about the quality of education and training being provided to the cadets.

During a visit to the 100-bed PNS Darman Jah hospital, the delegation was briefed on the quality of medical facilities afforded to the local population in addition to PN personnel.

Later, the delegation visited Gwadar Port where it was briefed on the importance of the port for CPEC and the measures being taken by PN for its security.

Senator Syed expressed satisfaction over the PN’s operational preparedness and nation-building efforts. The committee assured its full support to the PN in its future developmental plans for safeguarding the maritime interests of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2016