Pakistan Navy has commenced the construction of 3rd Force Protection Battalion’s building at Gwadar. This battalion is providing security for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects at sea and the coastline.
Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was the chief guest at the ground breaking ceremony of the new building for the 3rd Force Protection Battalion. Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem received the chief guest.
The Chief of Naval Staff said in his address at the ceremony, that the importance of security of the entire coast, in general, and the Gwadar port, in particular, has increased manifold due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
“Pakistan Navy is committed to provide infallible security to the vital Pak Navy assets and installations along the western coast and as well as maritime components for CPEC.”, the Naval chief added
The 3rd Force Protection Battalion is an operational segment of Pakistan Marines and was formed on March 2013 for the protection of Gwadar Port including offshore infrastructure, sensitive installations in the city and the coastal belt.
The Battalion is capable of conducting Anti Amphibious Operations, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief Operations in its Area of Responsibility.
FP Battalion, Pakistan Navy also created Task Force 88 in December 2016 for seaward security of Gwadar Port, especially CPEC related installations. The viability and assured dividends of CPEC related projects are intrinsically linked with the security of the maritime domain.
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, during his visit to the Pakistan Navy at Coastal belt of Balochistan installations, had meetings with the officers and sailors of Pakistan Navy deployed at Gwadar and Ormara and appreciated their high morale and dedication in defence of the maritime frontiers of Pakistan.
