http://www.paktribune.com, KARACHI: Pakistan Navy will attain latest frigates and Anti Sub Marine aircrafts in next fifteen years to make the defense of Pakistan coasts impregnable, said Chief of Naval Staff Shahid Karimullah.
Addressing a press conference during EXPO 2004 in Karachi on Wednesday he said that Pakistan Navy in order to meet its defense needs is purchasing PC-3 Anti Sub Marine Patrolling Aircraft and US has nodded positive to sell out this aircraft to Pakistan and hoped that this aircraft will reach Pakistan by November 2004.
“We are also going to purchase four frigates from China and for this purpose government is making effort to set deal for acquiring loans,” he added.
He said under this accord China will hand over first ship to Pakistan after four years while all ships will reach Pakistan Navy by 2013.
He went on to say that Pakistan Navy is also making concerted efforts to get an Anti Sub Marine Ship and hoped that the Navy would be able to get one of this type in a decade.
Pakistan Navy is the protector of coastal lines of the country and government is paying special attention and is providing ample funds in meeting the requirements of the Naval Forces, he added.
He went on to say that Pakistan navy needs more Boats, Ships and Sub Marines to strengthen its already strong Naval Fleet.
“Pakistan Navy is always ready for defense of the country, our Navy engineers with the help of French Engineers have made two Agosta 90B submarines while work on third submarine is already underway,” he held.
He said that government has already allowed Pakistan Navy to use Jinnah Naval base as an alternative base.
He also said Pakistan Navy is also playing an important role in fight against terrorism.
Besides US, UK, Germany, Italy and Canada a ship of Pakistan navy is also present in Gulf Waters.
He said that at present India is getting weapons from Russia while despite lifting of ban European countries are not selling weapons to Pakistan. “Due to this discrimination we are forced to get our defense needs met from China,” he added.
He said that due to ongoing composite dialogue between Pakistan and India both sides are discussing various issues in the likes of coastal boundaries and other related issues.
