KARACHI: Delegations from various countries met with Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi during the 10th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), 2018 held at Expo Centre Karachi.
Prominent amongst them were dignitaries from Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand and Turkmenistan. The visiting dignitaries also visited various Pakistan
Navy (PN) Units and Platoons and to meet Naval Field Commands (NFC).
During the proceedings of the first day, CNS Abbasi was called on by Head of Iraqi Navy (IN) Major General Ahmed Jasim Maarij, Chief of Joint Staff (CJS) and Coordinating Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Turkish Navy Director Naval Projects (DNP) Rear Admiral Savas, Turkey STM CEO Murat Ikinci, and Royal Malaysian Navy Lumut Naval Base Commander First Admiral Cadre Rouslin Bin Muhammad Yunus.
Matters of defence cooperation, training collaboration and maritime affairs were discussed during the meetings.
The CNS assured the delegations that Pakistan Navy is committed to enhancing mutual collaboration in all the realms of maritime commons including joint development of platoons, equipment and sensors as well as the exchange of quality training of officers and men of the respective countries on a reciprocal basis.
He further highlighted that PN is actively engaged in ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and regular bilateral and multilateral engagements with other countries.
The visiting dignitaries highly appreciated Pakistan Navy’s offer for mutual collaboration and focused commitment to maintaining peace and security in the regional maritime domain.
SSU COMMANDOES ASKED TO STAY VIGILANT
Further, Special Security Unit (SSU) Commandant Ghulam Murtaza briefed and directed SSU commandos to stay vigilant to deal any untoward situation in wake of the ongoing Defence Exhibition, IDEAS 2018, which will continue from November 27 to 30, 2018.
The security of foreign dignitaries, industrialists and traders, important routes, vital installations and suburbs of expo centre has been ensured by deploying SSU commandos who will assist the local police in maintaining peace and tranquillity in different areas as well as initiating timely action against miscreants who try to disturb the city’s law and order.
Additionally, the Commandos of Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T) team, equipped with latest weapons and communication system, will remain on alert round the clock as a quick response force to challenge any emergency situation that might be created by terrorists or hardened criminals.
IDEAS 2018 TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS: SINDH CM
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday said that IDEAS 2018 was meant to pave the way for fostering and promoting Pakistan’s strategic relations with international partners.
Shah said that Karachi, the host city of IDEAS, is always alive to thriving business activities at home and abroad. “With a vibrant population of more than 79 million, an improved law and order situation, as well as governance and security, Karachi has now become a perfect destination for profitable businesses and trade,” he said while adding that Sindh government was committed to providing all-out support and facilitation for profitable investments, joint ventures and trade.
EFFORTS TO RESOLVE KARACHI’S LONG-STANDING ISSUES BEING MADE: PRESIDENT ALVI
Later on, President Arif Alvi, while speaking about Karachi’s role as the centre of economic activities, said that the federal government is prioritising the resolution of problems faced by the port city and coordinated efforts are being made in this connection.
He was talking to media persons at the Governor House in the metropolis after chairing the inaugural meeting of Karachi Transformation Committee (KTC). Governor Sindh Imran Ismail was also present on the occasion.
President Alvi announced that a committee has been set up to take into account Karachi’s major issues, including water shortage. He said that water issues also exist in other provinces, including Balochistan where the problem is much severe than Sindh which is why the establishment of Water Regulatory Authorities in all the provinces is essential to resolve these issues as all the related steps including the installation of desalination plants and water treatment plants will be carried out through this authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said that this was the KTC’s first meeting to devise a strategy as to how the committee would work to resolve the issues of Karachi.
He said suggested that the Sindh government appoint their representatives to ensure progress and transparency in federal government funded projects.
The governor said he has also held a meeting with Advisor to Sindh CM Murtaza Wahab in this regard and he has assured of his response after discussing the matter with the chief minister.
