Daily Times

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy’s Turbat Naval Air Station became operational on Thursday.An impressive ceremony was held at the PNS Siddiq to mark the event. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was present on the occasion. Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif was the chief guest. “This facility will boost Pakistan Navy’s capability for the defence of the motherland as well as enhance the naval power over the Arabian Sea and especially its strategic reach westwards,” Asif said.

He said that the dual utilisation of Naval Air Station Turbat would accrue dividends both for the maritime defence and in the economic sector.

“The development of Naval Air Station Turbat will definitely provide a vital link for air transportation and as a base for naval operations besides providing required support to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. With the realisation of intra-regional connectivity, Balochistan will act as a gateway to Pakistan,” he said.

The minister also lauded the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy for operational pursuits and for contribution towards socio-economic uplift of the area by providing quality education, healthcare facilities and employment opportunities for the local populace. He also assured all out support of the government to strengthen Pakistan Navy. “The Pakistan Navy is the guardian of the sea and discharges its responsibilities in the most befitting and efficient manner,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Coast Commander Admiral Abdul Aleem highlighted strategic and economic importance of the station. He also underlined Pakistan Navy’s efforts in providing quality education, healthcare and employment to the people of Balochistan in general and the people of Turbat in particular. The commander extended his felicitations to all officers who had remained associated with the project and made untiring efforts in turning this dream into reality. He also thanked the Ministry of Defence for providing support for completion of the station.

The operationalisation of station will provide Pakistan Navy with the depth, flexibility and reach to counter emerging challenges of deterring terrorism at sea, curbing piracy and carrying out maritime security operations. The new runway has been constructed as per modern standards and it will also have the capability to handle heavier aircraft, not only for Pakistan Navy, but also of sister services and civil airlines. The runway is planned to be used by private sector as well. The development of Naval Air Station at Western periphery of Pakistan is one amongst many steps undertaken by the navy for socio-economic uplift of the country. During the ceremony, Pakistan Navy’s P3C Aircraft, Z9EC and Sea King helicopters participated in an impressive fly past. The ceremony was attended by a large number of PN, military and local civil dignitaries.