KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy on Friday inducted its second 054 A/P multi-role frigate PNS Taimur into the fleet.

The induction ceremony of PNS Taimur, the second of four Type 054-A/P multi-role frigates, was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Induction of second 054 A/P multi-role frigate comes seven months after PNS Tughril was inducted into PN fleet

The contract for four multi-role frigates (Type 054-A/P) for Pakistan Navy was signed by Pakistan and China in June, 2018. PNS Tughril, the lead ship of Type 054-A/P, was inducted into the PN fleet in January this year.

The second ship PNS Taimur was commissioned on June 23 at Shanghai, China. During return passage to Pakistan, PNS Taimur sailed to Hong Kong, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and participated in bilateral naval exercises with various friendly countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff emphasised that Type 054-A/P frigates were state of the art, potent and multipurpose platforms which would serve Pakistan Navy for years to come.

The chief guest emphasised that such projects were a manifestation of the trust and mutual cooperation that existed with Pakistan’s time-tested friends. The Naval Chief also highlighted the importance of the developing geo-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean and emphasised the need to have a potent naval force in order to counter rising maritime challenges.

Later, the chief guest handed over the traditional ship scroll to the Commander of Pakistan Fleet followed by prayers. The ceremony was also attended by guests from the Embassy of China, and serving and retired officers of tri-services.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2022