The ceremony was also attended by senior political leadership and government officials including Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Moreover, Ambassador of China to Pakistan and other distinguished guests from Chinese Navy, government authorities and shipbuilding industry were also present at the ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said that the occasion is yet another true manifestation of friendship, trust and mutual cooperation that exists between great nations of Pakistan and China. The defence cooperation between Pakistan and China is focused on improving the regional peace, security and stability. He also admired Chinese cooperation in development of Gwadar Deep Sea Port which has significantly contributed towards strengthening the maritime infrastructure in Pakistan and opened new avenues of growth and prosperity in Balochistan. Emphasizing on indigenization in defence production, he said that F-22 P Frigate programme also has an embedded indigenization aspect which would be fulfilled by the construction of fourth Frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
Appreciating the role of Pakistan Navy in national defence, Mr. Gillani said that Pakistan Navy is maintaining guard not only in our part of Arabian Sea but even beyond to the coast of Africa through which the vital shipping lanes pass, which are the jugular veins of global economy. He said that the government also recognizes and admires Navy's efforts in countering threat of terrorism and piracy.
While highlighting the geo-strategic importance of Pakistan, the Prime Minister mentioned that Pakistan is located on the crossroads of major civilizations and trade routes. Its geo-strategic and geo-economic importance in the present times demands enhanced efforts with regards to regional and global security. Pakistan is, therefore, contributing more than its fair share to fight the forces that aim to destabilize and destroy the international order. He said that Pakistan does not want to engage in arms race with any country. Its strategic as well as conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defence needs and promotion of peace. To this end, he said, we will equip our Armed Forces accordingly, regardless of economic hardships.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests at induction ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and believes in promotion of peace and stability. Pakistan Navy being guardian of the country's maritime interests, feels confident that the induction of this capable ship will further strengthen our professional capability. While highlighting PN's national and international commitments, he mentioned that Navy's role has been enhanced to fight the rogue of terrorism and piracy at high seas. To fulfill these obligations, Pakistan Navy is continuously participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan as well as Counter Piracy Operations.
PNS SHAMSHEER is a state of the art ship, designed and equipped for multi-purpose role with robust, reliable and modern weapons and sensors. The ship has been specially designed to meet Pakistan Navy's requirements of fighting in multi-threat environment with Air Defence missiles and Close-in-Weapon Systems; while engaging multiple targets simultaneously with long-range weapons. It also has advance Anti Submarine Warfare capability with state of the art SONAR that can detect submarines at long ranges. The induction of first ship PNS ZULFIQUAR in PN Fleet was undertaken four month ago and induction of third F-22 P ship (PNS SAIF) is expected in March 2010 whereas construction of fourth ship is to be completed by 2013 in Pakistan. Addition of these new ships will not only strengthen the PN Fleet but will also contribute in enhancing country's shipbuilding capabilities.
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