KARACHI – Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT, fitted with state of the art weaponsand sensors, capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime operations inthe multi-threat environment and embarked with AL-43 helicopter, visitedJeddah Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of overseas deployment forRegional Maritime Security Patrols (West) in the Arabian Sea.
Upon its arrival at the port, the ship was given a warm welcome byCommander Replenishment Group Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Western Fleetalong with Joint Operations Centre, Jeddah and other RSNF officials.
During the stay at Jeddah port, Commanding Officer PNS ASLAT, CaptainShafiq Ur Rehman PN called on Commander Western Fleet RSNF.
Deployment of PNS ASLAT in RMSP is aimed at ensuring maritime security inthe region in line with the Government of Pakistan’s policy andinternational obligations.
PNS ASLAT is front line warship of Pakistan Navy Fleet and the fourth shipof Sword Class frigate project; built at Karachi Shipyard and EngineeringWorks, said a news release.
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During the meeting, the commanding officer conveyed sincere regards onbehalf of Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff to theRoyal Saudi Naval Forces and highlighted that visit of PNS ASLAT is themanifestation of multifaceted long term collaboration that exists betweenthe two navies.
A reception was also held onboard PNS ASLAT which was attended by officersof the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Egyptian Navy and prominent Pakistaniexpatriates. Muhammad Hassan, Consul at Consulate General of Pakistan atJeddah and N and AA(P) Riyadh, Group Captain Arshad Mukhtar Khan were alsopresent at the occasion.
Later, the officers and men of PNS ASLAT also underwent various jointtraining sessions with Royal Suadi Naval Forces at Jeddah. Upon culminationof the visit, the ship resumed Regional Maritime Security Patrols (West) inthe Arabian Sea. Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are tied ineternal bonds of religion and brotherhood. The visit by PNS ASLAT willfurther enhance Pakistan Navy’s bilateral relations with Royal Saudi NavalForces in diverse avenues.
