Govt allocating adequate resources to equip armed forces: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP) - While appreciating professionalism of the armed forces of Pakistan, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the government has allocated adequate resources to equip them with state of the art technologies. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Admiral Noman Bashir, Chief of Naval Staff who called on him at Prime Minister House.
Referring to the discussion on the floor of the parliament House on Wednesday regarding the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Eden and Red Sea, the Prime Minister asked the Naval Chief to take up the issue with the host countries.
He also issued instructions to the Foreign Office for the repatriation of the abducted shipmen.
The Prime Minister observed that extending command to Pakistan of anti-piracy multinational task force is manifestation of the trust of international community in efforts of Pakistan navy to maintain peace in the region.
He assured the Naval Chief that government will introduce bill in the Parliament to legislate on anti-piracy issue for giving the Pakistan navy proper mandate to discharge their responsibilities in this regard.
The Naval Chief apprised the Prime Minister of “Amn Exercise” to be hosted by Pakistan Navy this March. This exercise, he said, is held after every two years. In this exercise, ships, marines, aircrafts and international observers from 29 countries will participate, he added.
Accepting the invitation by the Naval Chief to watch this exercise, the Prime Minister said the participation of countries in such a large number is an acknowledgement of the professionalism of Pakistan Navy.
The Naval Chief apprised the Prime Minister about Pakistan’s command of anti-piracy multinational task force in the international waters.
He also informed the Prime Minister that Secretary General International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been invited to visit Pakistan to discuss piracy issues and the measures to build the capacity of Pakistan Navy in this regard.