Pakistan Navy has inducted Type 054-A/P multi-role frigate PNS Tughril and 10 Sea King helicopters at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi on Monday.
President Dr. Arif Alvi was the chief guest on the occasion, which was also attended by guests from the embassies of China and Qatar. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi received the chief guest at the Dockyard, where a Pakistan Navy contingent presented him with the guard of honor.
Details of the frigate
- PNS Tughril is the first of four Type 054-A/P multi-role advanced frigates to be inducted in the Pakistan Navy.
- Pakistan and China had signed the contract for the four Type 054-A/P multi-role frigates for Pakistan Navy in June 2018.
- PNS Tughril has been inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet as the lead ship of the frigate.
- The 10 Sea King helicopters inducted alongside the PNS Tughril have been gifted by the state of Qatar.
Addressing the ceremony, The Naval chief underlined that the induction of the advanced frigate and Sea King helicopters would further strengthen the force in its combating capabilities in safeguarding the territorial integrity and the maritime interests of Pakistan.
Admiral Niazi also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Navy in promoting regional peace and stability through various maritime initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, President Alvi applauded the induction of state-of-the-art ships and helicopters in the naval fleet. He expressed contentment and confidence that “the potent and highly capable fleet and its air arm would continue promoting peace and stability in line with the government’s policy while devotedly guarding national maritime frontiers”.
He also urged the need for a well-equipped fleet with the surface, air, and sub-surface platforms to protect the sea frontiers under the challenging security environment. Reiterating that Pakistan is a peace-loving country he urged security and stability in the region.
Lauding China and Qatar, Dr. Alvi emphasized that such projects were a “manifestation of the trust and mutual cooperation that existed with Pakistan’s time-tested friends.”
Later, he handed over the traditional ship’s scroll and aircraft documents to the commander of the Pakistan Fleet.
Governor of Sindh and serving and retired officers of the army, navy, and air force also attended the ceremony.
