KARACHI: Pakistan Navy’s first frigate of Type 054A/P, the PNS Tughril, has been commissioned at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in China.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China Moin-ul-Haq was the chief guest on the occasion.

PNS Tughril is the first of 4 x Type 054 Frigates being constructed for Pakistan Navy.

The ship is a technologically advanced and highly capable platform with enormous surface-to-surface, air and underwater firepower, besides extensive surveillance potentials.

It has the capacity to simultaneously execute a number of naval warfare missions in a highly inten-se multi-threat environment.

According to the information received here, the chief guest on the occasion said the commissioning of PNS Tughril had opened a new chapter in Pakistan-China friendship that had matured over a long period.

Mr Haq said that in the context of the security paradigm of the region, Tughril-class frigates would strengthen Pakistan Navy’s capabilities to respond to maritime challenges and to ensure seaward defence, maintain peace, stability and balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.

The ambassador also praised concerted efforts made by CSSC, CSTC, CSDDC, HZ Shipyard and PLA (Navy) for the landmark achievement of timely delivery of the well-equipped and potent frigate despite global pandemic.

Vice Party Secretary and Director of the Board CSSC Du Gang also applauded the timely construction of PNS Tughril and emphasised that the commissioning of the vessel is a milestone event and a testimony to Pakistan-China friendship, as both countries were bound by the affinity of trust, compassion and commonality.

The head of Pakistan Navy’s mission overseeing construction of the Type 054A/P frigate, Commo­dore Rashid Mehmood Sheikh, said that PNS Tughril, being a vessel capable of performing multiple tasks, would form the mainstay of Pakistan Navy fleet while bolstering the navy’s maritime defence capabilities.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2021