Says govt will utilise all resources to strengthen country’s maritime defence
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed Friday that all necessary resources shall be utilised to strengthen the country’s maritime defence, adding that a well-equipped navy was integral to Pakistan’s security and economic prosperity.
“Pakistan is strategically located around the nucleus of the Arabian Sea, surrounded by three continents and over 50 coastal and hinterland states. Any ecological, social and political imbalance in this region casts a shadow throughout the area and also affects the security and stability of Pakistan,” said Sharif during the inaugural ceremony of the new building of Pakistan Navy War College.
He said that the college situated in a state-of-the-art building would further national maritime interests and expressed hope that the college would continue to foster foreign military relations through training officers from friendly countries as well as inculcating maritime awareness among academia of the country.
“Pakistan must always remain cognizant of its effective role in the maritime affairs of the region and be prepared to play its due role,” Sharif reiterated.
“Our valiant armed forces are combating the menace of terrorism from our soil and the entire nation is proud of their sacrifices,” adding that Pakistan desires peace within and outside its borders to achieve its development goals.
“We cannot afford to be distracted in fulfilling our national objectives,” he said, adding that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and independence.
Sharif emphasised the need to undertake construction of indigenous construction and joint ventures through transfer of technology and expressed pleasure that the Pakistan Navy was constructing indigenous large warships and attack aircraft by reviving Karachi Shipyard.
He expressed pleasure that the Pakistan Navy has matured into a reliable force.
“Pakistan Navy participation in CTF 150 and CTF 151 has been lauded at international forums,” said Sharif, commending the Navy’s initiatives of holding Aman exercises and international maritime conferences besides participating in Western Pacific Naval Symposium and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
“These initiatives project Pakistan’s image and promote Pakistan Navy as an effective instrument of the country’s foreign policy,” he said.
“First-ever maritime doctrine of Pakistan stipulating national maritime strategy is in the final stages of completion and the Planning Commission is working to formulate a Maritime Vision for Pakistan,” said Sharif.
The government is working to make Gwadar Port fully functional at the earliest including construction of a state-of-the-art airport, expressway and powerhouses, said Sharif.