ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy ship Aslat with embarked AL-43 helicopter visited Port Salalah of Oman as part of overseas deployment for Regional Maritime Security Patrols (West) in North Arabian Sea.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Navy on Sunday, deployment of PNS Aslat is primarily focused on ensuring safety and security of international shipping in these waters.

PNS Aslat is the frontline warship of Pakistan Navy fleet & fourth ship of Sword Class frigate project, which was built at

the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. It is fitted with the state of art weapons and sensors, capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime operations in multi-threat environment.

Upon its arrival at the port, the ship was given a warm welcome by the officials of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). Defence Attaché of Pakistan at Muscat was also present on the occasion.

During the stay at Salalah port, the Commanding Officer of PNS Aslat, Captain Shafiqur Rehman, separately called on the Commanding Officer of Salalah Naval Unit and the commander 11 infantry brigade. During the meetings, the Captain Rehman conveyed sincere regards from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the Royal Navy of Oman and Omani people and highlighted that visit of PNS Aslat was a manifestation of the multifaceted long-term collaboration that existed between the two navies.

A reception was also held onboard PNS Aslat. Athar Salman, deputy head of mission of Pakistan in Muscat, graced the occasion as chief guest. The reception was attended by officers of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, DA (China) and the commanding officer of PLA (Navy) Ship XIAN and prominent Pakistani expatriates.

Later, the ship was opened to visitors during which officers and men from the Sultan’s Armed Forces and a large number of Pakistanis living in Oman visited the ship.

In the last part of its visit, PNS Aslat conducted joint exercises with RNO ships and upon culmination of the same, the ship resumed its role in regional maritime security patrols (West) in the North Arabian Sea.

Pakistan and Oman are tied in eternal bonds of religion and brotherhood. The visit by PNS Aslat is expected to enhance Pakistan Navy’s bilateral relations with Royal Navy of Oman in diverse avenues.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2019