PM Imran lauds Pakistan Navy’s efforts for defence of maritime frontiers
By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the efforts of Pakistan Navy in defending the country’s maritime borders, providing security to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, including Gwadar port, and for regional peace.
The premier’s praise came during his visit to Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Monday where he was given a detailed briefing on measures taken by the force for the development of the maritime sector and on the regional maritime security situation.
On arrival at Naval Headquarters, PM Imran was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and a smartly-turned-out contingent of sailors presented a guard of honour to the prime minister.
The prime minister assured the naval chief of all possible assistance to the force and said that the government is working to promote the maritime sector as a means of economic growth.
Imran Khan added that declaring 2020 as the year of the blue economy is a reflection of the government’s efforts to develop the maritime economy.
Admiral Niazi, on the occasion, thanked the premier for expressing confidence in the capabilities of the Pakistan Navy and said force is fully prepared to protect the maritime interests and sea frontiers of the country. The Prime Minister greatly appreciated the professionalism and operational readiness of Pakistan Navy. Prime Minister reposed complete confidence on the preparedness of Pakistan Navy in safeguarding country’s sea frontiers. He also acknowledge Pakistan Navy’s contribution towards regional maritime security by contributing in international efforts and taking own initiatives. Prime Minister showed his satisfaction on steps taken to ensure security of Pakistan’s coast, Gwadar Port and maritime related projects of CPEC.
The Prime Minister further assured full support of the Government for capacity building of Navy to meet the evolving challenges in maritime domain.
He further added that the Government fully realizes the importance of maritime sector and its immense economic potential which can be utilized for the prosperity of the country. In the same spirit, Government’s vision of declaring 2020 as ‘Year of Blue Economy’ was to set the strategic direction for spurring growth of maritime sector.
Earlier, Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence, Finance & Maritime Affairs, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on NSD & SPP and Secretaries Defence, Finance, Foreign and Maritime Affairs were given detailed briefing on maritime security challenges and Pakistan Navy’s perspective on development of maritime sector.
The Naval Chief thanked Prime Minister for his visit and reposing confidence in the Navy. He also assured that Pakistan Navy with the help of Allah SWT will continue to defend the country’s sea frontiers & maritime interests and shoulder the responsibilities with honour both during peace and war.
Federal Ministers Pervez Khattak, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi and Special Assistant on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf were also present on the occasion.
