Navy's efforts will help socio-economic situation in Balochistan, says naval chief

KARACHI: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi on Friday visited naval installations along the coast and said the Navy's efforts will help the socio-economic situation and law and order in Balochistan, said a statement released by the Pakistan Navy (PN). 

Abbasi made the remarks while conducting his inaugural tour of areas under Coastal Command. He visited Turbat, Gwadar and Jinnah Naval Base Ormara to review the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy Units in the area and port security measures.

Admiral Abbasi expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness of PN and referred to PNS Siddiq, the Navy's new air station in Turbat, as a significant milestone towards enhancing PN’s operational capability.

He added that it would also lead to commercial flying activities, which would act as a catalyst for economic development in the hinterland of Balochistan. 

Admiral Abbasi also highlighted that other civic facilities, including PN Model School Turbat, will enable the local populace, access to quality services at their doorstep and set off a new era of prosperity in the region in consonance with Pakistan Navy’s resolve of nation-building efforts, added the PN statement. 

Later during the day, the naval chief visited PN units deployed at Gwadar and Ormara and was briefed on various ongoing and future PN projects and plans as well as operational activities and security aspects of Gwadar port, particularly with respect to the maritime components of CPEC project.

Abbasi, while expressing the Navy’s resolve to ensure seaward defence of vital maritime infrastructure and protection of maritime interests of Pakistan against all threats, reiterated that the Navy will safeguard maritime frontiers of Pakistan at all costs.