At PNS Tariq launch, PM Shehbaz re-invites Turkiye to join CPEC
Pakistan
Fourth MILGEM-class Corvette named PNS Tariq was launched formally
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday re-invited Turkiye for joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He renewed the offer while addressing the launch of the fourth Milgem class corvette at the Karachi Shipyard, where Turkiye Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz was also present.
Lauding the leadership role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister said the joint venture project is an example of cooperation and support between two brotherly countries.
He said following the increasing burden on Port Qasim of Karachi, Pakistan was needed to create linkages between Karachi and Gwadar ports as Gwadar was about to become a business center for the country as well as the region.
Calling the CPEC a “roaring success” the prime minister said Pakistan and China had agreed to launch the second phase that would comprise green corridor, business corridor, special economic zones and IT corridors.
He said the second phase was bound to increase the quantum of business transactions and Turkiye was a “natural partner” and reiterated his invitation for the country to join that join that wonderful opportunity of prosperity.
Sharif emphasized need to enhance bilateral strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye for the prosperity of the two nations.
He said that Pakistan and Turkiye stand together in the face of challenges and have helped each other in difficult times throughout.
He specially mentioned the visit of Turkish President during the floods and the help of Turkish people for flood affected people. Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the resolve of Pakistan Naval Chief for his dedication to ensure high level maritime activities.
He urged need to build a link between Karachi and Gwadar as well to enhance the port activity. Prime Minister said CPEC is a roaring success and we have just signed the second phase of CPEC which is going in multiple directions.
He also thanked the workers of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works for their hard work and dedication in building these ships on time that will be an asset in the fleet of Pakistan Navy.
He also announced two hundred million rupees for the workers of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
-- Tukiye vice president
In his address, Turkiye Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz condoled the loss of lives in Bajaur attack and reiterated Turkiye’s condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations.
He said the people of Pakistan had a unique place in the hearts of Turkish people as both stood by each other throughout the centuries.
Mr Yilmaz particularly mentioned the Turkish support to Pakistan after the flood and thanked Pakistan for its solidarity after the deadly earthquake hit Turkiye in the recent past.
He said considering the prevailing regional situation, the Pakistan-Turkiye defence cooperation was becoming more relevant with enhanced scope.
He said that Pakistan and Turkiye were faced with the challenges like Turkiye like cross-border terrorism which necessitated the understanding of the terrorists’ objective and acting totally opposite to their expectations.
The Turkish vice president said Turkiye had become a major global actor and reduced its foreign dependence in the defence industry, consequent to the will and leadership of President Erdogan.
He said Turkish shipping industry was among the world’s top ten industries producing the warships.
He told the gathering that the MILGEM warships were equipped with cutting-edge technology and weapon system developed by Turkish industries.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi said the MILGEM project would become an emblem of the Pakistan-Turkiye friendship.
He said both countries stood shoulder to shoulder in hour of need and exemplified the recent flood in Pakistan and earthquake in Turkiye.
Highlighting the opportunities of regional connectivity being provided by the CPEC, the Naval chief said the upgradation of Karachi Shipyard would be key to improving Pakistan’s self-reliance, through the government was also striving to develop another shipyard in Gwadar.
He also appreciated the dedication and hard work of the workers and engineers and congratulated al the stakeholders for achieving the milestone.
Turkish Deputy Defense Minister Celal Sami, in his remarks the MILGEM project was the manifestation of exemplary bilateral relations.
Calling for enhancing the bilateral trade volume, the deputy minister said Turkiye was ready to take part in building Jinnah Class Frigate.
Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas said the project showed technological advancement and commitment to improving the maritime defence.
He said the MILGEM was capable to carry out a variety of naval operations.
He said the Karachi Shipyard was is fully equipped to undertake multiple projects and was in the process of building the indigenously designed gunboat and Jinnah Class frigate, besides contributing to the water supply project for Karachi.
Federal ministers Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Ahsan Iqbal, Syed Naveed Qamar and Israr Tareen, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also attended the ceremony.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi said PNS Tariq is the fourth and last Milgem class corvette ship built for the Pakistan and second to be built in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Pakistan and Turkiye to further enhance the defense cooperation.
Earlier, the premier reached Karachi to participate in the launching ceremony of fourth MILGEM-class multipurpose corvette, named PNS Tariq for Pakistan Navy at the Karachi shipyard.
The premier and Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, who reached Pakistan on Tuesday, jointly inaugurated the latest corvette ‘PNS Tariq’ for Pakistan Navy.
Pakistan had signed a $1.5 billion deal with Turkey in 2018 for the acquisition of four Ada class ships with Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT. Under the contract that included technology transfer, two ships were to be constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the other two at Karachi Shipyard.
MILGEM Project
The MILGEM project is based on joint collaboration and represents a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Turkey strategic partnership, according to Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs.
The first MILGEM-class (also known as Babur-class) warship for Pakistan Navy, named PNS Babur, was launched at the Istanbul shipyard in August 2021 and PNS Khaibar was launched in November 2022 in Istanbul. The third MILGEM-class multipurpose corvette, named PNS Badr, was launched in the port city of Karachi in May 2022 while the fourth PNS Tariq will be launched today (Wednesday) at Karachi Shipyard.
With the induction of the latest warships, Pakistan Navy will be equipped with multipurpose corvettes and frigates that can be deployed in a range of missions including surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare, and amphibious operations. The latest warships will strengthen the country’s maritime defence and deterrence capabilities as Pakistan Navy intends to build a fleet of more than 50 vessels, including 20 major surface ships.
