Under Sino-Pak joint project, first F-22P Frigate constructed for Pakistan Navy at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, China was delivered to Pakistan Navy on Thursday.The delivery ceremony was followed by Commissioning of the ship, in which Pakistani flag was hoisted on the ship with band playing Pakistani National Anthem. The ceremonies were attended by distinguished guests from Chinese Navy, Chinese Govt Authorities and senior officers of Pakistan Navy.Chief guest for the ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir NI(M) while addressing the guests said that the successful and timely delivery of the First F-22P Frigate has been made possible by superb cooperation of the leadership of PLA(Navy), SASTIND, CSSC, Hudong Shipyard and CSTC.He said that with passage of time the relationship between Pakistan and China has grown deeper and fonder in all spheres of defence and economic cooperation. Pakistan is indeed proud of close association with China and this unique relationship does not draw any parallel elsewhere in the world.
He said that F-22P Frigate project is the manifestation of everlasting strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.Earlier, while welcoming the guests at Commissioning ceremony, Head of Pakistan Mission and the Chief Naval Overseer, Commodore Mahmood ur Rehman SI(M) said that the successful culmination of the first F-22P Frigate is the result of ardent efforts and exceptional professional competence of all personnel involved in this project, right out its inception.Work on design and construction of F-22 P ships started in year 2005 after signing of a contract between MoDP and CSTC of China for construction of three ships in China and one at Karachi Shipyard. While first F-22P ship is now heading to Pakistan, all other three ships are at different stages of construction.Talking to Chinese media, Admiral Noman said that one of the important aspects of his visit was the interactions and discussions on how to further they can make progress and strengthen the relationship at all levels.
To a question, he said Pakistan, China relations were multidimensional and both countries had understanding on many issues. Both countries were co-operating in various civil as well as defence projects, he added.About India Nuke submarine, Admiral Noman said although it was launched two days back, we knew it for a long time. Indian, he said had their own security perspective, but Pakistan believed that the presence of Indian nuclear submarine changes the security calculus of Indian Ocean. Pakistan, Admiral Noman said, did not want to follow arms' race as "we have our own priorities".He said, "we are fully alive to our security and taking all necessary measures to safeguard it. In this regard he referred to acquisition of P-22 frigates for Pakistan Navy.
Admiral Noman Bashir pointed out that Chinese military production industry maintained very high quality and standard and Pakistan wanted to benefit from their achievements.To a question on security of Indian Ocean, Admiral Noman said it was very important for many reasons. The Ocean is main artery for oil supplies and it connected the East with the West as a result a large number of cargo ships passed through it every day."The Ocean is very important not only for Pakistan and China but for the entire world therefore Pakistan don't want to see it monopolise by any country. So, this is important for all the countries in the world including Pakistan which is located on the mouth of Gulf to make sure that the India Ocean remains peaceful", he added.
ASIAN DEFENCE: First F-22P Frigate delivered to Pakistan
