Pakistan has no hegemonistic designs in the region, says PM

KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has made it clear that Pakistan does not harbor any hegemonistic designs in the region and we do not want to engage in arms race with any country but all needs of country’s armed forces would be fulfilled regardless of economic hardship.

Addressing the induction ceremony of "PNS Shamsheer" in Pakistan Navy Fleet, he said, the Government is also cognizant of Pakistan Navy’s needs to fulfill its national and international obligations.

"Our strategic as well as conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defense needs and promotion of peace. To this end we will equip our Armed Forces accordingly, regardless of economic hardships", he said.

"I am confident that men in uniform have the will and skills to optimally utilize the resources provided for defense of the motherland as well as fulfill international commitments for stability and security", he said.

"It is indeed a matter of great assurance and jubilation for the nation that a potent Frigate, PNS SHAMSHEER is joining Pakistan Navy Fleet today. I congratulate all those who are involved in the Frigate Programme", he said.

He also appreciated the focus and hard work of Ministry of Defense Production, Pakistan Navy and the Chinese partners for a successful programme; which resulted in timely completion of the second ship of the Class.

This is indeed yet another true manifestation of Pakistan - China friendship, which is rightly regarded as a model relationship, he said, added, this relationship is underpinned by mutual respect, mutual trust and complete confidence, thus creating the required synergy for progress, development and the social harmony not only in our two countries but also in Asia and beyond.

We are proud on its description as an all-weather, time tested relationship which is higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans, he said.

Our friendship and multifaceted strategic partnership with China has been and will remain the corner stone of our Foreign Policy, he said. "The unique characteristics of this relationship have been that it is based on the principle of non-interference in each others internal affairs and it is not directed against any country. These mutually respected principles and the common aversion of both our countries to the concept of regional harmony have combined to strengthen our relations which have helped ensure stability and equilibrium in our region for the past six decades.It is gratifying to note that the longstanding defence cooperation between Pakistan and China is growing from strength to strength to the mutual benefit of both sides", he said.

"I take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude to the Government and people of China and congratulate them for reaching yet another hallmark in our friendship today, with the induction of PNS "SHAMSHEER" in the fleet of Pakistan Navy", Gilani said.

Pakistan is located on the crossroads of major civilizations and trade routes and its geo-strategic and geo-economic importance in the present times demand enhanced efforts with regard to regional and global security, headed.

The Premier further said that we are therefore engaged and are contributing more than our fair share to fight the forces that aim to destabilize and destroy the international peace

"I appreciate the efforts of Pakistan Navy that is maintaining guard not only in our part of Arabian Sea but even beyond to the coast of Africa through which the vital shipping lanes that are jugular vein of global economy pass", he said.

The Government, Premier Gilani said, also recognizes and admires Pakistan Navy’s efforts with regard to countering threats of terrorism and piracy, the two phenomenal undertakings especially considering the limited number of assets that it possesses.

Another important aspect that I would like to emphasize here is the indigenous capability of defense production. This is particularly important for a resource starved country like Pakistan as it has to maintain a fair balance between its security needs and requirements of economic growth, he said.

"Thus, in-country defence production is a logical solution to ensure best utilization of available resources. I am happy to learn that this Frigate Programme has also an imbedded indigenization aspect, which would be fulfilled by the construction of Fourth Frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works", he added.

As construction of this ship in Pakistan involves up-gradation of Karachi shipyard, this would also result in reviving the shipbuilding industry that will eventually contribute towards the overall economic growth of Pakistan, he said.

"We greatly admire Chinese cooperation in development of Gwadar Deep Sea Port which has significantly contributed towards strengthening the maritime infrastructure in Pakistan and opened new avenues of growth and prosperity in Balochistan", he added.

The Port will Insha Allah serve as vital link in developing land trade route from Makran coast to the Western region of China and the Central Asian Republics, he added.

"I am aware of the fact that Pakistan Navy is also focusing on the development of coastal areas through its projects like development of Jinnah Naval Base and other support establishments along the coast. The Navy’s lead role in contributing towards maritime awareness amongst the people of Pakistan is another positive undertaking that will accrue long term benefits for the nation", Gilani added.

The Prime Minister reiterated Government’s commitment towards development of maritime sector and emphasize our Navy not only to defend the sea frontiers but also ensure safe conduct of maritime activities during peace time.

He also announced a grant of Rupees Fifty Million for the Welfare of Pakistan Navy Fleet troops.