Daily Times

ORMARA: Pakistan Navy has fully activated its newly formed ‘Task Force-88’ (TF-88) for the seaward security of Gwadar port and the protection of connecting channels.TF-88 is equipped with gunboats, frigates, Fast Attack Craft, aircraft, and drones as well as other electronic surveillance means.

A senior official of Pakistan Navy while briefing a group of visiting journalists at Ormara informed them that the Navy has beefed up security at the Gwadar seaport and surrounding areas by instituting a patrolling system in light of increasing commercial and development activities under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC. The surveillance of the coastal belt leading to the Gwadar port is being carried out on a 24-hour basis.

The official affirmed that the security force was fully capable of facing any challenges at the sea front of the country. “Besides providing security to CPEC, the naval force has taken over the security of Basol Dam”, the official stated.

In addition to providing these security measures, the Pakistan Navy is also fully involved in the welfare of the areas under its operations. The Model Schools, Industrial home, medical centres and camps are some of the many initiatives being taken by Navy.

The visiting journalists were also taken to the Cadet College in Ormara, which is being constructed on 458.14 acres with an estimated cost of Rs 5 billion. At present, the number of students stands at 223. They hail from all parts of the country, including Azad Kashmir. According to the principal of the cadet college, a 50 percent quota is reserved for students from Baluchistan.

A hospital is also being run by the Navy at Ormara; PNS Darmaan Jah is providing medical facilities not only to residents of Ormara but patients from other adjoining areas are also benefiting to a large extent.