Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila visited the naval bases and installations in the coastal areas of Gwadar and Pasni on Friday to review the operational preparedness of the Pakistan Navy. He was accompanied by Commander Coast Rear Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi.
During his visit, Sandila was given a detailed briefing on the operational readiness and air defence along the Makran coast. The naval chief was also apprised of various projects being undertaken by the Pakistan Navy for the welfare and the progress of the local populace. He was briefed that navy has introduced a special selection and recruitment package for the youngsters of Balochistan. The Naval Selection and Recruitment Centre established in Gwadar is an extension of this package. Apart from recruiting in sailors’ cadre, a considerable induction is also being made in the officers’ category. The navy has also re-introduced the “N-Cadet” scheme in Balochistan, whereby students would be admitted in selected cadet colleges for a period of five years. Later, they would be given an option to join the Pakistan Navy.
An unprecedented concession package has also been introduced for the people of Balochistan wherein officers would be inducted in Short Service Commission without undergoing the ISSB. They would also be given special relaxation in the standard academic and age criteria. In Gwadar, Turbat, Pasni and Ormara, recruitment is also being carried out through mobile selection teams.
Sandila was also briefed on the navy’s efforts to promote education in Balochistan. Pakistan Navy is extending free education facility to a large number of students through Bahria Model Schools in Gwadar and Ormara.
Various government schools are being run under the patronage of the Pakistan Navy where provision of teachers, free books and furniture is ensured. A model school up to intermediate level is also currently under construction in Ormara. A mega project of constructing a cadet college at Ormara is also being undertaken.