ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday vowed to provide all resources to Pakistan Navy for dealing with imminent challenges as he expressed confidence in its ability to defend the country’s maritime frontiers.

Mr Khan said this during his visit to the Naval Headquar­ters where he was briefed on maritime security challenges and Pakistan Navy’s perspective on development of the maritime sector.

“The prime minister grea­tly appreciated the professio­nalism and operational readiness of Pakistan Navy. The prime minister reposed complete confidence in the preparedness of Pakistan Navy in safeguarding country’s sea frontiers,” the PN media dir­ec­­torate said in a statement.

In his remarks, the prime minister particularly mentioned navy’s contribution to securing the country’s coast, Gwadar Port and CPEC projects.

Challenges to Pakistan’s maritime security have traditionally come from arch-rival India. The threats have, however, grown because of Chi­nese involvement in Gwadar Port and launch of CPEC as India considers Chinese presence a threat to its interest. Therefore, India is believed to have stepped up its activities in the region surrounding Gwadar to undermine the project.

The prime minister, PN media directorate said, acknowledged “Pakistan Navy’s contribution towards regional maritime security by contributing in international efforts and taking own initiatives”.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi thanked PM Khan for reposing confidence in navy and assured that it would continue to defend the country’s sea frontiers and maritime interests both during peace and war.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2020