Pak Navy raises Task Force-88 for maritime security of CPEC: Gen Zubair

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat on Saturday said that it is satisfying to note that Pakistan Navy has raised Task Forece-88 for maritime security of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar port to address conventional as well as sub conventional threats.

“In the current scenario a potent and modern Navy is indispensable to address the challenges in the maritime domain,” he said while addressing the Passing out Parade of 107th Midshipmen and 16th Short Service Commission Course, comprising 72 Pakistani and 28 officers from friendly countries, held at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar.

The CJCSC said, “Rapid development of CPEC, Gwadar as its pivot, maritime security all along the coast has assumed added significance.”

He said, “Pakistan is fully aware of threats from hostile Intelligence Agencies which are operating from Afghanistan and other locations to create unrest in Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular and their designs to sabotage CPEC are also well known. To deal with these challenges, we are committed to undertake synergetic efforts at the national level and Armed Forces have a pivotal role to play in this regard.”

The Chief Guest further said, “Pakistan seeks harmonious and peaceful co-existence with all countries, especially our neighbours. However, Pakistan's quest for peace and stability has to be in consonance with our national interest, sovereign rights and national pride. We desire to work with our allies, friends and partners to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity to the region and beyond.”

While congratulating and extending felicitations on achieving this milestone, the CJCSC urged the graduating officers to hold fast to the qualities of honour, integrity and selfless devotion. He encouraged them to develop trust and confidence in their team and instill in them a true spirit of unity of purpose.

He expressed his satisfaction to note that Pakistan Navy is extending support in training future officers of friendly nations. He hoped that they would prove worthy of their mettle in their respective Navies.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers training. He apprised the audience that, “The commissioning term comprised 80 Midshipmen including 52 from Pakistan and 28 from allied countries. As many as 20 Cadets from Short Service Commission Officers batch are also being passed out.”

The Commandant highlighted that, “Cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.”

Later, the Chief Guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Ahmed Faraz was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Whereas, Midshipman Sarmad Arif won the Academy's Dirk, Cadet Muhammad Fazal Kabeer clinched the Commandant Gold Medal and Cadet Syed Irtaza Haider Naqvi was given Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal. Cadet Akmadov Mamet from Turkmenistan was awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, Ambassadors, Defence Attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out midshipmen and cadets