KARACHI: Pakistan is a peaceful country and has no intention to enter into an arms race in the region. This was announced by Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, here on Thursday. He was speaking as chief guest at the 89th Midshipmen Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar.
The Prime Minister, however, said that Pakistan will maintain a minimum credible deterrence to ensure peace in the region and also to ensure that the ongoing process of the country’s economic development remains uninterrupted.
He also made it clear that the defence needs of the country will always remain a priority and that the government will provide all necessary resources to the armed forces of Pakistan to enable them to modernize themselves and stay in a state of readiness.
He pointed out that the sovereignty and integrity of the country could be well protected when our foreign and national security policies reflect the aspirations of the people.
While subscribing to international obligations, Pakistan desires to promote its national interests as we believe in peaceful co-existence and mutual respect, he added.
Mr. Gilani assured that the government is fully aware of the importance of Pakistan’s maritime potential. “ Therefore, we will continue to meet the requirements of Pakistan Navy in all respects”.
He said recent acquisition of modern platforms, equipment and weapons is an indication of the government’s resolve to better equip our Navy.
The Prime Minister said that advancements in modern technology which are taking place at a fast pace are cost intensive. “ We, therefore, must endeavour to achieve self-reliance; for this purpose we need to promote indigenization and pursue it with greater vigor than ever before.
He stated that Pakistan Navy’s ship-building and sub-marine construction programme, modernization of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works and research and development in various fields of maritime technologies are indeed good omens.
Mr. Gilani pointed out that Pakistan has been in the forefront of the international war on terror. “Being a victim of terrorism ourselves, we condemn terrorism and are committed to defeat it”, he added.
He said that Pakistan believes in the promotion of peace and security in the region and the world at large. It also believes in the freedom of the seas and trade.
The Prime Minister said that we stand committed to international order and stability and that our participation in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan(CMPC) reaffirms our strong commitment to regional and global security.
He stated that Pakistan Navy’s participation in the CMPC has enhanced its professional acumen. it has greatly helped in deterring terrorists and checking arms, drugs and human smuggling thereby providing safe environment for smooth maritime economic activity in the region.
Mr. Gilani said that the twice command of Maritime Task Force 150 (CTF 150) by Pakistan Navy is a testimony of our resolve to pursuing international peace and also speaks of the high professional standards of Pakistan Navy.
He stated that Pakistan’s maritime sector by virtue of a long coastline and a vast exclusive economic zone including the extended continental shelf offers immense opportunities towards sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Minister said the development of Gwadar Port and Coastal Highway are the steps in the right direction. However, we will have to go a long way to realize the full potential of our maritime sector and we must not forget that the strategic location of Pakistan can only be exploited to our advantage through the development of this vital sector.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan today stands committed to the war against terrorism alongside the international community.
He said that Pakistan believes in the promotion of peace and security and is committed to international order and stability.
Mr. Gilani observed that Pakistan has been blessed with a unique geo-strategic location at the confluence of three important regions of the world i.e Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. “This strategic location can only be used to our advantage through the development of maritime sector,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s maritime sector by virtue of a long coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) including the Extended Continental Shelf, offers incredibly lucrative opportunities towards sustainable economic growth.
He assured that the government is fully aware of the importance of Pakistan’s maritime potentials and would meet the requirements of Pakistan Navy in all respects.
The Prime Minister urged the passing out officers to strive hard to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in the domain of modern-day warfare. “Your are expected, not only to live up the glorious traditions of your predecessors but to achieve par excellence in professionalism”, he added.
He also extended his felicitations to the passing out officers particularly those who displayed outstanding performance and won prizes.
In his welcome address Commandant, Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Muhammad Tahir highlighted salient features of the training imparted to the cadets at Naval Academy.
He apprised that the current passing out team comprises 67 officers who had undergone two years comprehensive professional, academic and physical training.
The academy has been entrusted with the responsibility of training young cadets from brotherly countries of Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Yemen.
Earlier, on arrival at the venue, the chief guest was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent.
Later, the Prime Minister awarded prizes and medals to the winners. Midshipman Waleed Arif was awarded Sword of Honour for his all round best performance.
Cadet Muhammed Ali received Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal whereas Sub Lieut Ahsan Muhammad was awarded Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal.
Midshipman Tauseef Ashraf clinched PNA Dirk. Main Top Squadron won the Proficiency Banner.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, and Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, were also present on the occasion.
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