Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ships reach Malaysia
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KARACHI: (APP) Two Pakistan Maritime Patrol ships of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), namely PMSS Hingol and Basol have reached Kuantan, Malaysia, on a goodwill visit from December 22 to 25.
A PMSA statement here on Friday said that these ships were commissioned at Guangzhou, China, and handed over to the PMSA on December 10, 2016 in an impressive ceremony held in China, attended by Senior Pakistani and Chinese diplomats, civil and military officers.
Secretary Defence of Pakistan Lt. Gen. (Retd) Zameerul Hassan Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Queen Sultana of Pahang along with Prince Fahad also attended the ceremony as chief guests.
A large number of Malaysian Armed force officers, High Commissioner of Pakistan and Pakistani community were also present on the occasion.
Senior officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy and MMEA also welcomed PMSA ship at naval base in a graceful traditions ceremony.
Upon arrival at Malaysian Port, the Pakistani ships were warmly welcomed by Royal Malaysian Navy.
During three-day stay at Kuantan, apart from bilateral meetings, PMSA will take part in various sports and other events.
Ships will also participate in a joint exercise with Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
PMSA ships regularly visit ports of friendly countries. The maiden voyage of PMSA ships to Kuantan, Malaysia, is a testimony of a great bonding and relations between both the nations in general and maritime law enforcement agencies in particular.
A reception for dignitaries and high officials of Malaysian and Pakistani community was held yesterday at Kuantan, Malaysia.
PMSA being the only law enforcement agency at sea in Pakistan is mandated for maritime law enforcement functions in all the maritime zones of the Pakistan. These functions include anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics and human trafficking. PMSA is also responsible to conduct search and rescue (SAR), operations, covering a vast area up to 840 NM from Pakistani Coast.
In order to ensure effective laws enforcement particularly in the CPEC, PMSA is undergoing a major capacity enhancement program aimed at indication of ships and aircraft.
PMSS Hingol and Basol are part of the same programs and two other ships under this program are also under construction at Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
