ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy ship Saif has visited Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the first regional maritime security patrol (RMSP) deployment instituted recently by the PN, said a press release on Thursday.

The PN said it had deployed its first-ever ship in Gulf of Aden Southern Red Sea Region.

The objective of RMSP is to maintain presence along critical choke points and maritime areas to fulfil international obligations for maritime security and safeguard national shipping, while observing freedom of navigation across high seas.

PN Saif is the frontline destroyer of PN fleet and is the third ship of sword class frigate, fitted with state-of-the-art robust weapons and sensors.

The ship is capable of undertaking all types of maritime operations in multi-threat environment. PN Saif is also embarked with organic anti-submarine sarfare helicopter Z9-EC.

During stay at Jeddah port, Commanding Officer of PN Saif Captain Shahid Wasif called on senior Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) officials, including Rear Admiral Hamid Bin Bakhit Aljahni, RSNF western fleet commander and other senior military officials.

During the meeting, the commanding officer of PN Saif conveyed well wishes from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the people of Saudi Arabia in general and RSNF personnel in particular.

During four days of stay at Jeddah, the ship crew visited different RSNF training facilities. Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Vice Admiral (R) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique visited onboard the ship and interacted with the crew.

A reception dinner was also hosted onboard in honour of diplomats and officials from RSNF.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2018