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ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: Pakistan and China discussed details of transfer of new weapons system to the Pakistan Navy at the Naval Headquarters here on Thursday.
During the meeting which took place between the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Shahid Karimullah, and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Chunxiang, the two sides discussed issues related to the transfer of F-22P frigates and Z-9 helicopters to Pakistan.
Pakistan is looking forward to getting the Z-9 helicopters from China which would form an accessory to the F-22P frigates. The Z-9 helicopters would enhance the weapons range of the F-22P frigate, said a source.
The Z-9 gunship is a French-designed Z-9 (Dauphin II) multi-purpose helicopter produced under license in China, according to the source. With a capacity of 14 seats, the Z-9 helicopters can carry anti-submarine torpedoes and missiles in addition to having features of electronic warfare, communications, artillery spotting, naval ship-borne anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue.
The delivery of the frigates along with helicopters is said to be in their final stages of contractual negotiations. An official statement issued by the Naval Headquarters said the Chinese ambassador remained with the Naval chief for sometime and discussed matters of mutual interest.
RELIEF OPERATIONS: The Pakistan Navy is said to have rescued hundreds of people of different nationalities trapped in the Maldivian islands.
A press release issued by the Naval Headquarters said: "In continuation of the rescue and relief operations being carried out by PN ships Nasr and Tariq on the requirement of Maldivian authorities, PN Tariq has now been dispatched 150 nautical miles north of Male on Ugoofaarj Island in order to deliver relief goods, food items, medical stores and clothes."
The handout added that initially the PN ships were deployed south of Male and now the whole rescue operation would be conducted in the north by PNS Tariq along with PN helicopters and boats. In addition to the PN medical team, five local Maldivian officials had also boarded PNS Tariq, said the press release.
