Naval chief announces shipyard in Gwadar

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has said that global scenario in general and regional geo-political situation in particular warrant concrete and long-term policy decisions for achieving self-reliance.

He was addressing Pakistan Navy’s 2nd “PN-Industrial Seminar” at Pakistan Navy Engineering College, Karachi. The naval chief, while announcing the establishment of shipyard in Gwadar, said that the project would commence shortly and will be completed in three to five years. "Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support Research and Development (R&D) is available in the country. However, it is time to integrate and optimise these facilities with a view to further strengthen process of self-reliance" he added.

The Chief of Naval Staff emphasised on increase in the number of ports to cater future requirements and maritime challenges. He said Pak Navy is the custodian of blue economy and maritime awareness is need of the hour in the context of maritime affairs.

While expressing his confidence, the naval chief said that through meaningful engagement of the private sector and well articulated strategy, Pakistan would attain complete self-reliance with diligence and focused attention.

He further added that in the present era of globalisation and technological innovation, we need to join hands and create collaborations and partnerships that can add value to our national economy and strengthen our national defence. He appreciated the response of private sector which showed resolve to work in time constrained and technologically challenging environment.

A number of speakers from private industry and academia threw light on academia-industry linkages and bridging the gap between Pakistan Navy and local industry for indigenisation. They emphasised upon further enhancing the contribution of private industrial sector in supporting Pakistan Navy and presented a roadmap to realise this objective.

Pakistan Navy has always been cognizant of the need to engage local industry to seek technological support for its requirements. However, this engagement needs to be enhanced to fully exploit private sector potential. Private sector in Pakistan can be trusted to play an important role in support of Pakistan Navy. The seminar was attended by a large number of PN officers, reps of local industry and prominent members of academia.