KARACHI: The launching ceremony for the first ship of Type-054 class frigate constructed for Pakistan Navy was held at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard Shanghai, China, on Sunday.

According to reports reaching here, the ceremony was graced by Commodore Azfar Humayun (Chief Naval Overseer, China) as the chief guest in the presence of China Shipbuilding Trading Co, Ltd. (CSTC) Chairman, Li Hongtao.

The launching event was hailed as a milestone in the construction of the state of the art frigate for Pakistan Navy. The Type-054 class, fitted with latest surface, subsurface, anti-air weapons, combat management system and sensors, will be one of the technologically-advanced surface platforms of the Pakistan Navy Fleet.

These ships will significantly contribute to peace and security in Pakistan’s area of responsibility.

Earlier, while addressing the ceremony, the chief guest termed the event a new chapter in Pakistan-China defense relationship.

He also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, China and the inexorable support provided by CSTC for the continuity of programme despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ceremony was also attended by officials of Pakistan Navy and CSTC/ Hudong Shipyard.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2020