KARACHI: “Pakistan is blessed with immense maritime resources, which can be optimally exploited through the development of our maritime sector or Blue Economy,” said President Dr Arif Alvi at the commissioning of PNS Moawin, a 17,000 ton fleet tanker, at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard on Tuesday.

The president was the chief guest on the occasion. He further said that the development of the maritime sector would enhance the country’s exports, generate employment and increase foreign exchange. “And with the realisation of CPEC, the maritime trade and activity off our coast will increase manifold which calls for a strong navy to provide security and seaward defence,” he said, adding that the government would provide all necessary resources to enhance the capability of Pakistan Navy and help develop the maritime sector.

President pledges to provide resources needed to enhance capability of Pakistan Navy and develop maritime sector

PNS Moawin is the largest warship ever constructed at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works in collaboration with M/s Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM) of Turkey. The ship is capable of performing a variety of maritime operations, including provision of logistic support to other ships at sea through transfer of fuel and other important military cargo. It can carry two helicopters and is also equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities. It can provide overseas support to friendly countries during any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission.

Appreciating Turkey’s support in the vessel’s construction, the president said that Pakistan and Turkey had a time-tested and deep-rooted relationship and joint ventures such as PNS Moawin would further strengthen these relations and open new vistas of cooperation. He also congratulated the ministry of defence production, Pakistan Navy, M/s STM of Turkey and Karachi Shipyard for constructing this 17,000-ton ship in Pakistan.

Earlier, during his welcome address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlighted that Pakistan Navy had been striving to achieve self-reliance in warship construction.

“The construction of various naval platforms such as F-22-P Frigates, submarines and Combat Support Ships in Pakistan in the past and various warships and submarine construction projects planned for the future will substantially enhance our ship-building capability,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by federal ministers, diplomatic community, notable civilian and military officials, including president of Turkish Defence Industries Ismael Demir, Deputy Minister of Defence Muhsin Dere and other key Turkish officials.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2018