PM says will not compromise on Pakistan’s strategic interests

• PM launches 17,000-tonne Pakistan Navy Warship fleet tanker at Karachi Shipyard
• Says Pakistan will consolidate maritime infrastructure from Karachi to Gwadar and facilities to expand trade
• Pakistan, Turkey to expand cooperation in defence production; Four submarines to be built at same shipyard with Chinese collaboration; Another shipyard to be built in Gwadar

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that the government is committed to consolidating maritime infrastructure along the coast from Karachi to Gwadar to provide the requisite facilities for the expansion of trade.

The PM spoke after launching a 17,000-tonne Pakistan Navy Warship fleet tanker at the Karachi Shipyard. The PM said on the occasion that there would be no compromise on the country’s strategic interests.

The prime minister said that the ongoing development projects including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) reflect the government’s aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and shipment with Gwadar as a focal point.

PM Nawaz said self reliance in defence production is the objective of his government and that he will support indigenisation in all technological spheres.

The fleet tanker was built in collaboration with Turkish firm Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM). The design of the fleet tanker was prepared by Turkish engineers, while the project was executed in the Karachi Shipyard.

The prime minister expressed the hope that Pakistan will continue to collaborate with the Turkish government and businesses to build more ships and fleets at the Karachi Shipyard.

“Our friendship will withstand the tests of time,” he said.

He said joint ventures will further strengthen the mutual bonds between Pakistan and Turkey. It will open up more opportunities for cooperation in the field of building indigenous warships and other defence sector products.

Nawaz Sharif said he has a vision of a democratic and economically vibrant Pakistan. He said the country has tremendous human resources, especially a large youth population, to effectively work for national development.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praised the Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan Navy and the Ministry of Defence Production for launching the ship two months ahead of schedule.

He said the strategic location of Pakistan remains an invaluable asset and expressed confidence that Pakistan’s fleet will play an important role in securing the country. He said that developing shipping is part of our maritime initiative. He said the government is cognizant of the fact that the shipping industry plays a vital role in the industrial growth and employment generation for a country.

‘KARACHI SHIPYARD REVIVED’:

The prime minister said the new shipyard in Gwadar is being accorded due priority.

He announced Rs 100 million as bonus for the shipyard’s employees.

Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanwir Hussain said the Karachi Shipyard is a vibrant establishment which is working at 100 per cent capacity and earning record profit. He said the revival of the shipyard became possible due to the Pakistan Navy’s support in placing orders for the construction of its ships. He said four submarines will be built at the shipyard with the support of China.

He said the country has a long coast line extending from Karachi to Jiwani and establishment of new shipyards will enhance ship building. He said the government is working on the establishment of a shipyard at Gwadar.

‘PAKISTAN, TURKEY SHOULD EXPAND COOPERTION IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION’:

Dr Ismail, leader of the Turkish delegation, said Turkey and Pakistan need more cooperation in today’s security environment. Both countries are facing very important challenges including terrorism. He suggested increasing cooperation in defence production.

Dr Ismail said many new projects for military, air force and naval forces are in the works. He hoped that the two countries will jointly manufacture a fighter jet.

Karachi Shipyard Managing Director Rear Admiral Syed Hassan Nasir in his welcome address said the ship will be in service for three to four decades. He it is a symbol of our friendship with Turkey.

The design of the 17,000-tonne heavy fleet tanker was prepared by Turkish engineers. It was built with the cooperation of Turkey in the Karachi Shipyard.