Pakistan looking beyond F-22 frigates: naval chief
Local Friday, July 31st, 2009* Admiral Bashir says Pakistan taking necessary measures to meet its security needs
The induction of the P-22 frigate in the Pakistan Navy is a big step forward not only in Pak-China relations but also in helping enhance the country’s defence capability, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir said on Wednesday, adding, “We are looking beyond P-22 frigates.”
The naval chief, currently on an official visit to China, said he had held leadership-level discussions and was looking forward to the commissioning of the first P-22 frigate, PNS Zulfiqar, on July 30 (today), which was constructed in Shanghai.
“Because of cordial relations between the two countries and their navies, it was very important for me to meet our most trusted friends and as soon as I got the first opportunity I came to China,” he added.
Talking to the Chinese media, Bashir said one of the important aspects of his visit was discussions on progressing further and strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
To a question, he said Sino-Pak relations were multidimensional and both countries had understanding on several issues and were cooperating on various civil and defence projects.
On India’s nuclear submarine, the naval chief said although it had been launched two days ago, Pakistan had known about it for a long time. He said India had its own security perspective but Pakistan believed that the presence of India’s nuclear submarine altered the security situation in the Indian Ocean.
Admiral Bashir said Pakistan did not want to follow the arms race as “we have our own priorities”.
Security measures: He said Islamabad was fully aware of its security and was taking all necessary measures to safeguard it, referring to the acquisition of the P-22 frigate.
Admiral Bashir said the Chinese military production industry maintained high quality standards and Pakistan wanted to benefit from it.
On the security of the Indian Ocean, he said it was very crucial for many reasons as it facilitated oil supplies and connected the East with West, resulting in a large number of cargo ships passing through it every day.
“The ocean is very important not only for Pakistan and China but for the entire world, hence Pakistan doesn’t want to see it monopolised by any country. Therefore, it is important for all the countries of the world, including Pakistan, which is located on the Gulf, to make sure the Indian Ocean remains peaceful,” he added.
Admiral Bashir said the navy was contributing to the international community’s fight against illegal activities, including drug and human trafficking through sea.
Welcoming the presence of the Chinese Task Force in the Indian Ocean, Admiral Bashir said Pakistan looked forward to working together for achieving the common objective of maintaining peace and security. He said the Pakistan Navy was actively participating with the navies of other countries, including China, in curbing piracy in the Gulf of Aden. “Our performance has been highly acclaimed by major countries,” he added.
Pakistan Daily Press News Agency (www.Daily.pk)
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on Jul 31 2009. Filed under