Pakistan navy’s role reflects its commitment to global peace: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Oct 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said Pakistan Navy’s collaboration with international community has reflected its commitment for global peace and stability in the region and beyond. Speaking at a farewell dinner in honour of outgoing Naval Chief Admiral Nauman Bashir here at Prime Minister House, Gilani said collaboration of Pakistan has been necessitated by global problems of terrorism, piracy, smuggling and other crimes warranting a collective approach to deal with these menaces.
It is heartening that the efforts of Pakistan Navy in this regard have been acknowledged at the international level, he said adding Pakistan Navy always responded with promptness whenever any natural calamity struck.
Under the leadership of Admiral Noman Bashir, it played an appreciable role during the unprecedented floods in 2010 and was also at the forefront of rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations, for the flood affectees during the recent Monsoon rains in the province of Sindh, Gilani noted.
 The Prime Minister said, “the age we  are living in today is characterized by complex and rapidly evolving geo-strategic changes on the global political and security radar screen.”
The regional and domestic environment has also been faced with a unique set of challenges including that of terrorism and extremism, he added.
Pakistan is located in a region, which is vital because of its geo-strategic importance, he said adding no country of the world can be oblivious to the imperative of strengthening its defence needs in order to befittingly cope with threats to national security.
 “This is where Pakistan Navy, as a key element of national power, has been a factor of stability in a turbulent region. Under the Command of Admiral Noman Bashir, it emerged as a professionally sound fighting force capable of protecting Pakistan’s vital strategic interests.”
 He said the outgoing Admiral presided over a significant enhancement of Navy’s combat potential and efficiency through induction of modern hardware besides ensuring the maintenance of the highest standards of training of the officers and men.   
 Thanks to his efforts, today, Pakistan Navy is respected due to its professionalism, he continued.
Apart from defending the sea frontiers of the country, he said, Pakistan’s Navy has been a proud member of international coalitions.
 The outgoing Naval Chief played a leading role in strengthening its partnership and consolidating bilateral and multilateral relations with the navies of the world, he added.
Gilani said by taking part in various bilateral and multinational exercises such as Aman 2009 and 2011, Pakistan Navy advanced the objectives of the country’s foreign policy as a part of what has been termed as ‘naval diplomacy’.
It was under the Admiral’s stewardship that Pakistan Navy joined multinational Combined Task Force 151 against piracy. The way Pakistan Navy escorted Egyptian Flagged MV SUEZ and protected it from attacks of the Somali pirates in June this year deserves appreciation, he remarked.
 The Prime Minister observed that by taking part in an operation against militants in Northern Areas (Operation RAAH-E-RAAST), it rightfully made the people of Pakistan proud.
 Admiral Noman Bashir also made significant efforts to develop Pakistan’s maritime sector and he revived Pakistan’s shipbuilding industry and enhanced its capability.  
 Various welfare projects were also initiated under his watch, which include construction and handing over of houses for retired CPOs/Sailors, and the construction of residential estate at Younusabad Karachi for serving sailors, he added.
The Prime Minister said induction of Lady Officers and Female Sailors in Pakistan Navy is also an initiative taken by Admiral Noman Bashir.
 He said they have gathered to say good bye to Admiral Noman Bashir on his superannuation and pay tribute to him for his outstanding services for Pakistan in general and Pakistan Navy in particular.
“It is both a moment of happiness and sadness. We are happy because the occasion marks the culmination of Naval Chief’s career of meritorious services to the Pakistan Navy.”
“We are sad because we would not have the company of an able commander, a team leader and above all a sincere friend who set up such a high benchmark of performance, dedication and leadership,” Gilani added.
 The event was attended by Leader of the House in Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, federal ministers and services chiefs.