Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker is another symbol of Pakistan-Turkey defence cooperation
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KARACHI (APP): 17000-ton Fleet Tanker that has been built with the cooperation of Turkey, the Prime Minister expressed pleasure over the launch of the largest warship prepared in the country by Karachi Shipyard.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah, Under Secretary of Turkey Prof Dr Ismail Demir, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ebad, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, foreign diplomats, civilian and military officials attended the launching ceremony.
The Prime Minister said the launching of the ship two months ahead of the schedule was a gift to the nation on its 70th Independence Day.
He said the Fleet Tanker being built in the collaboration with Turkish shipbuilding firm M/S. Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM) under the ambit of the Ministry of Defence Production and Pakistan Navy was a true testament of the our efforts towards indigenization and enhanced collaboration with our brotherly country Turkey.
He expressed the hope that this cooperation would continue in future and more ships would be built in Karachi Shipyard in collaboration with Turkish firms.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan Navy and STM Turkey and particularly Karachi Shipyard for launching the ship ahead of schedule. He said that Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker would always be remembered as an icon of Pakistan-Turkey friendship.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey were time-tested friends, adding that though the two countries were geographically apart, yet they were united by faith, common heritage, shared civilization and commonality of interest.
He said the joint ventures like the construction of the Fleet Tanker would further strengthen the two countries' relations. This initiative would open more opportunities for further cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of indigenous warship construction and other defence sector products.
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that Karachi Shipyard was an exceptional story of success in public sector which should be emulated by other similar organizations.
The Prime Minister said he was confident that through continued hardwork, better management practices and government patronage Karachi Shipyard would achieve many more such laurals in the future.
He said the successful construction of the Fleet Tanker would play a vital role towards achieving self-reliance in defence production and the government would continue to support the policy of indigenization in all technological spheres.
The Prime Minister appreciated the workforce and management of Karachi Shipyard for transforming Karachi Shipyard into a profitable and viable organization. He announced a bonus of Rs. 100 million for the employees of Karachi Shipyard.
The ongoing development programs of the government including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stipulate the aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and trans-shipment with Gwadar as the focal point, he said.
