Pakistan aims to secure national interests, free shipping against all threats
KARACHI, July 7, 2018 — Chief of Pakistan Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi disclosed that Pakistan Navy has decided to initiate “Regional Maritime Security Patrols, independently, in the Indian Ocean Region in line with the UN Resolutions and UN Convention on Law of the Sea.”
Admiral Zafar Mahmood further elaborated that the decision was taken “in order to pursue our national interests with strategic autonomy and aimed at maintaining robust security posture in the critical sea areas and choke points in the Indian Ocean Region for protection of national and international shipping against the threats of maritime terrorism, piracy, narco-arms smuggling and human trafficking. ”
Addressing the 109th Midshipmen and 18th Short Service Commission (SSC) Course Commissioning Parade held at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS RAHBAR, Admiral Zafar Mahmood mentioned the strategic shift from the erstwhile participation of Pakistan Navy in the Combined Task Forces 150 and 151 under the auspices of Combined Maritime Forces to Regional Maritime Security Patrols.
While taking stock of prevailing geo-strategic situation Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, in his address at 109th Midshipmen and 18th Short Service Commission (SSC) Course Commissioning Parade, said that Pakistan stands for peace and amity in the region and seeks harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the comity of nations.
However, Admiral Mahmood warned “it will be a mistake if our desire for peace is construed as our weakness. We are fully capable of giving a befitting response, in case of any aggression against our country.”
At 109th Midshipmen and 18th Short Service Commission (SSC) Course Commissioning Parade, Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated and extended felicitations to graduating officers on achieving this milestone and highlighted that in order to enhance Spiritual Combat Power of our men, for the first time, Religious & Motivation Officers (RMOs) are being commissioned as part of the SSC Course to provide religious guidance to the personnel and their families on social and moral aspects.
The Commissioning Parade comprised 45 Pakistani and 43 Midshipmen from friendly countries as well as 54 Cadets of Short Service Commission Course including 32 Religious & Motivation Officers.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Upon his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Asif Khaliq.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated and extended felicitations to graduating officers on achieving this milestone and highlighted that in order to enhance Spiritual Combat Power of our men, for the first time, Religious & Motivation Officers (RMOs) are being commissioned as part of the SSC Course to provide religious guidance to the personnel and their families on social and moral aspects.
The Naval Chief reiterated the firm resolve of Armed Forces and underscored that Pakistan Armed Forces are at the forefront of the national resolve to cleanse Pakistan from the scourge of terrorism; and Pakistan Navy on its part is maintaining a robust security posture along the Pakistani Coast and in the regional seas to deter the nefarious elements from any illicit activities in the maritime domain.
While advising the graduating officers, the Naval Chief urged them to hold fast to the qualities of Faith, professional excellence, loyalty, courage and character in their personality which are the essential ingredients of a true leader. He also expressed his satisfaction for extending support in training future officers of friendly nations who would prove worthy of their mettle in their respective Navies.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander Syed Faisal Hameed highlighted the salient features of the officers’ training. The Commandant mentioned that cadets from Bahrain, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.
Later, the Chief Guest gave away prizes to the winners. The prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal was conferred upon Lt Roheel Shahzad PN. Midshipman Kashif Abdul Quyyom was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Whereas, Midshipman Dayyan Ahmed won the Academy’s Dirk; Officer Cadet Badar Ali was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Mohammed Lahim S Aldawsri from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Muhammad Arshad from SSC Course clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. Proficiency Banner was re-claimed by Forecastle Squadron.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, including Commander Royal Bahrain Coast Guards and Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force both of whom are alumni of Pakistan Naval Academy; Ambassadors, Defence Attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out midshipmen and cadets.
Earlier on July 4, 2018 Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force, Commodore Mohammed Yousif Al Asam visited Naval Headquarters Islamabad and called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.
Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force was received by Chief of the Naval Staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy-clad in ceremonial dress presented him Guard of Honour. The visiting dignitary was then introduced to Chiefs of Staff and Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters.
Later, Commodore Mohammed Yousif Al Asam called on Chief of the Naval Staff in his office, where discussions on professional matters and bilateral naval collaboration were held.
Various avenues of cooperation between the two Navies were focused. Pakistan’s commitment and performance in the fight against terrorism including Pakistan Navy’s contribution towards regional maritime security were also highlighted.
Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force highly appreciated role and contributions of Pakistan Navy in maintaining peace and stability in the region.