The government of Pakistan has approved the establishment of a shipyard at Gwadar. This decision is part of Pakistan’s long term goal of being self reliant.
This was disclosed by Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi at the 2nd “PN-Industrial Seminar” at Pakistan Navy Engineering College Karachi organize by Pakistan Navy. Professionals hailing from various industries from private sector also attended the seminar.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, in his address during the industrial seminar, highlighted that the seminar shall indeed be beneficial to formulate the way forward in order to further enhance the role of private sector in support of Pakistan Navy’s technological requirements.
In his address, he announced that work on the shipyard in Gwadar will be starting soon and this project will be completed in 3 to 5 years. He added,
Pakistan Navy is the custodian of Pakistan’s blue economy. Maritime awareness is the need of the hour in the context of maritime affairs and business development. We need to increase the number of ports to cater to future requirements and maritime challenges.
Zafar Mahmood also said that the global scenario in general and regional geo-political situation in particular warrant concrete and long term policy decisions for achieving self reliance. Naval Chief said,
Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support Research and Development (R&D) is available in the country. However, it is time to integrate and optimize these facilities with a view to further strengthen the process of self reliance.
While expressing his confidence, the Naval Chief said that through meaningful engagement of the private sector and a well articulated strategy, Pakistan will attain complete self-reliance with diligence and focused attention.
He further added that in the present era of globalization and technological innovation, we need to join hands and form collaborations and partnerships that can add value to our nation’s economy and strengthen our national defence.
He appreciated the private sector’s response, which showed resolve to work in time constrained and technologically challenging environments.
A number of speakers from the industry and academia threw light on academia-industry linkages and bridging the gap between Pakistan Navy and local industry for indigenization.
They emphasized upon further enhancing the contribution of private industrial sector in supporting Pakistan Navy and presented a roadmap to realize this objective.
Pakistan Navy has always been cognizant of the need to engage local industry to seek technological support for its requirements. However, this engagement needs to be enhanced to fully exploit private sector’s potential. Private sector in Pakistan can be trusted to play an important role in support of Pakistan Navy.
The seminar was attended by a large number of Pak Navy officers, reps of local Industry and prominent members of academia.
