Pakistan Navy Ship Saif, F22-P class destroyer of Pakistan Navy Fleet, visited Port Muscat at Oman, during first Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) deployment in Gulf of Aden & Southern Red Sea Region. The objective of RMSP is to maintain PN presence along critical choke points/sea areas in Indian Ocean Region to fulfill international obligations for maritime security and safeguarding national/ international shipping by preserving freedom of navigation at high seas. During the visit, PNS Saif commanding officer called on Royal Navy of Oman’s Head of Fleet Staff and other officials. He conveyed well wishes from Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the people of Oman in general and Royal Navy of Oman in particular. A reception was also hosted onboard PNS Saif, Commodore Saif Bin Muhammad Al Habsi, Commanding Officer Said Bin Sultan Naval Base graced as chief guest, while Pakistani Ambassador Ali Javed was the chief host of the event. The reception was attended by a large number of guests including Pakistani and Omani community members, diplomats, officials and other dignitaries. The ship remained open for local visitors, which provided unique opportunity to overseas Pakistanis to have a glimpse of life onboard ships of their homeland’s Naval force. Pakistan and Oman enjoy close diplomatic ties and cordial relations. The visit of PNS Saif is expected to provide new vistas to further strengthen these relations. Officers and men of PNS Saif were engaged in various interactions during the port visit to ensure continuity in bilateral collaboration. In order to enhance interoperability with Royal Oman Navy, PNS Saif will also conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with RNOV Ship Khassab. Upon completion of PASSEX, PNS Saif will resume RMSP in the Gulf of Aden. Pakistan Navy has always been contributing significantly in assuring a secure maritime environment for merchantmen by actively deploying ships in Counter Terrorism & Anti-Piracy Operations. Continued active presence of Pakistan Navy depicts its resolve to curb menace of terrorism, drug and human trafficking and piracy on high seas. Published in Daily Times, July 30th 2018.