Chief of Naval Staff launches F22P Frigate indigenously built with Chinese assistance

Karachi, June 16, 2011 (PPI): Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir who Thursday launched F22P Frigate indigenously built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works KSEW with Chinese assistance said it is “a commendable achievement and manifestation of government’s indigenous policy specially attaining self-reliance in maritime defence capabilities.”

Admiral Bashir was chief guest at launching ceremony at KSEW. It is fourth F22P Frigate. First three PNS Zulfiqar, PNS Shamsher & PNS Saif, were built at Shanghai Dockyard in China. He acknowledged efforts of Pakistani, Chinese engineers, technicians in construction of F22P Frigate at KSEW. He congratulated China State Shipbuilding Company CSSC, China Shipbuilding & Trading Company CSTC, Hudong Zhongua & KSEW for launching F22P as per schedule.

“It is yet another example of unparallel Pak-China ties which are founded on strong footing.

The launching being important milestone not only further strengthened our relations with Chinese friends but also added colour, eminence to celebrations for 60 years of resounding friendship between two countries.”

He lauded turnaround of KSEW that enabled it to meet challenges of constructing warships and attributed success to sound planning of KSEW management and untiring efforts of workforce.

Admiral Bashir said “we do not possess any aggressive designs. Our sea trade routes, vast Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ and international energy lines that pass very close to our coast need to be protected which is not only in interest of Pakistan but of entire international community.”

KSEW Managing Director, Commodore Nasir Iqbal Akbar, CSTC President, Wu Di & Chinese Consul General in Karachi also spoke. Chief of Naval Staff cut a ribbon to launch F22P frigate in the sea. He announced bonus for KSEW staff.