Says CPEC stipulates govt aim to achieve maximum output in regional trade:No compromise on country’s strategic interests
KARACHI ; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday launched a 17,000-tonne heavy Pakistan Navy Warship fleet tanker, at the Karachi Shipyard stating that there would be no compromise on country’s strategic interests.INP reported.
The fleet tanker was built in collaboration with Turkish firm Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM). The design of the fleet tanker was prepared by Turkey and executed in the Karachi Shipyard.
The Prime Minister hoped many more of such fleets would be constructed with collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey. “Our friendship will withstand the tests of time,” he said.
The prime minister, expressed the hope that Pakistan would continue to collaborate with the Turkish government and businesses to build more ships at the Karachi Shipyard. He said joint ventures will further strengthen the mutual bonds between Pakistan and Turkey. It will open up more opportunities for cooperation in the field of building indigenous war ships and other defence sector products.
The Prime Minsiter said self reliance in defence production is the objective of his government and will support indigenisation in all technological spheres. He said the government is committed to consolidate maritime infrastructure along the coast from Karachi to Gwadar to provide facilities for trade expansion.
Nawaz Sharif said he has a vision of a democratic and economically vibrant Pakistan. He said the country has tremendous human resource specially large youth population to effectively harness these resources for national development.
The Prime Minister said that ongoing development programs including China Pakistan Economic Corridor stipulates our aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and trans-shipment with Gwadar as a focal point.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appreciated the Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan Navy and Ministry of Defence Production for launching the ship two months ahead of schedule. He said it will play a vital role towards achievement of self-reliance in defence production.
He said the strategic location of Pakistan remains an invaluable asset and expressed the confidence that Pakistan fleet will play an important role in the security of the country . He said developing shipping is part of our maritime initiative. He said the government is well cognizant of the fact that ship industry plays a vital role in industrial growth and employment opportunities.
He said plan for new shipyard in Gwadar is being accorded due priority.
The premier congratulated the Ministry of Defence Production, the Pakistan Navy, STM, and the Karachi Shipyard for completing the project ahead of time.
PM Nawaz said the fleet tanker would be remembered as a symbol of ‘time-tested’ Pakistan-Turkey friendship.
The Prime Minister announced Rs100 million as bonus for the shipyard employees
.Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanwir Hussain said Karachi Shipyard is a vibrant establishment which is working at hundred percent of its capacity and earning record profit. He said the revival of shipyard became possible with Pakistan Navy’s support placing orders for construction of its ships. He said four submarines will be build at the shipyard with the support of China.
He said the country has a long coast line from Karachi to Jiwani and establishment of new shipyards will enhance ship building . He said the government is working on the establishment of a shipyard at Gwadar.
The leader of the Turkish delegaton Dr Ismail said Turkey and Pakistan need more cooperation in today’s security environment. Both the countries are facing very dramatic challenges including terrorism. He suggested increasing cooperation in defence production.
Dr Ismail said many new projects for military, airforce and naval forces are in hand. He hoped that the two countries would jointly manufacture a fighter jet.
Managing Director Karachi Shipyard Rear Admiral Syed Hassan Nasir in his welcome address said the ship would be in service for three to four decades and it is a symbol of our friendship with Turkey. He said the shipyard build F-22P naval ship and fast attack missile boards for the Navy.
The 17000-ton heavy fleet tanker has been built with the cooperation of Turkey. The design of the fleet tanker was prepared by Turkey, while built in Karachi Shipyard.
The Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is determined to make the country prosperous and economically stable. online reports
He was speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of state-of-the-art 17000 tones fleet tanker at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works on Friday. The warship has been built in Pakistan with the cooperation of Turkey.
The prime minister said there will be no compromise on country stability. He said that ongoing development programs including China Pakistan Economic Corridor stipulate our aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and trans-shipment with Gwadar as a focal point.
He said CPEC project will be a game changer for entire region. Prime Minister said that this initiative will certainly open more opportunities of collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of indigenous warship construction in particular and other defence sector products in general.
He said it will play a vital role towards achievement of self-reliance in defence production.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appreciated the Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan Navy and Ministry of Defence Production for launching the ship two months ahead of schedule.
The main role of this fleet tanker will be provision of logistic support to Pakistan Navy at sea in terms of liquid cargo. It will also conduct combat support operations and provide medical support to Pakistan Navy.
