KARACHI: The commissioning and induction ceremony of PNS Himmat built for Pakistan Navy at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) was held at Pakistan Navy dockyard on Friday.

The 63-meter-long fast attack craft (missile) is fitted with state-of-the-art systems. One of the important achievements in this project is the installation of an indigenously built missile system. The craft is also fitted with various other weapons and sensors for manifestation of speed and lethality at par with any modern navy arsenal.

While speaking at the ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah, the chief guest on the occasion, mentioned that it is a landmark occasion when the second indigenously constructed fast attack craft (missile) is being inducted in the Pakistan Navy fleet. He said that the successful construction of PNS Himmat at the Karachi Shipyard is a proud moment for Pakistan Navy, KS&EW and China State Shipbuilding and Offshore Company.

Vessel has indigenously built missile system

He categorically mentioned that the trust and confidence posed by Pakistan Navy on indigenously built platforms will also provide impetus to Pakistan defence exports.

The admiral highlighted that to capitalise on the maritime opportunities and to address the related challenges an efficient, strong and self-reliant navy is the need of the hour. Therefore, acquisition of high-speed missile craft with enhanced endurance and firepower is of high priority for attaining the capability to deliver rapid response at sea.

While emphasising the need for a secure maritime environment in context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the naval chief accentuated that CPEC holds great promise for the progress of the country but at the same time it has added a new dimension to the overall threat spectrum. To make CPEC a success we have to be mindful of such threats. He said that Pakistan’s defence policy is based on peaceful coexistence but given the prevailing geostrategic environment, the country cannot afford to lower its guard.

Earlier, MD KS&EW Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah said in his welcome address that this state-of-the-art ship is another landmark in the history of Pak-China cooperation in the field of defence production as it has been built in collaboration with M/s China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) and Xingang Shipyard.

While presenting over a brief overview of their construction projects, he said that during the recent past KS&EW has successfully completed various projects for the Pakistan Navy. As a result, it has been awarded a number of other projects including 17,000 tons fleet tanker, maritime patrol vessels, indigenously designed fast attack craft (missile), 32 tons bollard pull tugs and a multipurpose barge which are currently at various stages of construction.

He also informed that contracts of a number of new projects have also been signed prior to the closing of the last financial year, including 3,000 tons survey ship, 1,900 tons OPVs for Pakistan Navy and two FRP boats for Pakistan Customs.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from the government, the Chinese Embassy, Pakistan Navy, China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) and distinguished guests from various walks of life.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2017