KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reposed complete trust and confidence in the operational capabilities of Pakistan Navy and urged that “the challenges at hand necessitate eternal vigilance to safeguard against external and internal threats”.
Nawaz was speaking at the culminating event of Pakistan Navy's maritime exercise ‘Sea Spark 2015’ on Wednesday.
The event was aimed to showcase the combat readiness of navy, where the premier witnessed the wide ranging maneuvers by an array of naval combat platforms in North Arabian Sea.
The naval forces demonstrated a range of naval warfare operations against traditional and non-traditional threats including counter terrorism and anti-piracy drills, live weapons firings and fly past by naval aviation units.
Earlier on his arrival on-board Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Nasr, Nawaz was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah.
The Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on conduct of the exercise and navy's salient contributions towards maritime sector, coastal development and Humanitarian Assistance operations.
The event was also graced by Sindh chief minister, Balochistan governor, defence minister and senior officers from the armed forces.
On his arrival, Nawaz was received by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah at Karachi Airport.
Apart from witnessing the naval exercise, the premier will also hold a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in the city considered as Pakistan's economic hub.
During the meeting, the prime minister will be briefed the progress of ongoing Karachi operation, which was launched in September 2013 to free the city of criminals and people associated with terrorist outfits.
Related: Karachi operation: ‘Crime down but sleeper cells still exist’
Pakistan Navy exercise, Seaspark 2015, which began in the north Arabian Sea on November 3 after a gap of three years.
The exercise involves all operational units of the navy, including ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, special forces and marines, along with elements of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Air Force and the army with the aim to corroborate the navy’s operational plans, assess its war preparedness and enhance its interoperability with the PAF and the army.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, joined by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, visited the fleet units at sea on Monday and underlined the importance of maintaining constant vigil at sea in view of the prevailing security environment.
Also Read: Naval, PAF Chiefs witness exercise 'Sea Spark'
Diwali event
Prime Minister also attended an event organised to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali in Karachi and greeted the Hindu community on their religious festival.
The premier also expressed his resolve to protect minority rights at all costs.
"Pakistan is a country for all and I am the PM of all Pakistanis, no matter what religion, creed or caste they belong to," said Nawaz.
During the speech, he also announced establishment of Bhagat Kanwar Ram Medical Complex in Hyderabad city of Sindh and renovation of Baba Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib district of Punjab province.
During his last visit to the city, the PM inaugurated the K-2 power project at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp) while presiding over an apex committee meeting to review the progress of Karachi operation.
