KARACHI: Pakistan Navy fleet’s annual efficiency competition parade was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard here on Thursday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, chief guest on the occasion, expressed complete satisfaction over the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy fleet and lauded the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men for successfully achieving significant operational objectives and milestones.

The admiral commended PN fleet’s efforts and contributions towards regional maritime security and protection of Pakistan’s sea lines of communication. He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s endeavours to ensure seaward security of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Gwadar port and other maritime-related projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The naval chief reiterated that Pakistan Navy is fully cognizant of changing geopolitical realities in the region and stands resolute to defend the country’s sea frontiers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, commander Pakistan fleet highlighted, underlined and accentuated fleet operational activities undertaken during 2020, encompassing multidimensional events related to operational preparedness, particularly conduct of live-weapon firings, major maritime exercises Seaspark 20, regional maritime security patrols and overseas deployments.

Later, the chief of naval staff gave away efficiency award shields to the best performing units of various squadrons of the Pakistan Navy fleet.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2021