Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have lauded the Pakistan Navy for their successful operation in rescuing crew members trapped on a foreign vessel. According to Radio Pakistan, the President praised the professional expertise and quick response of the Pakistan Navy, which ensured the safety of lives. He highlighted the Navy’s commitment to humanitarian service without discrimination, even in challenging circumstances.

Prime Minister Sharif, in his statement, detailed the swift and efficient response to an emergency call from the offshore vessel MV GAUTAM, which was stranded in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, carrying seven crew members—six Indian and one Indonesian—encountered technical difficulties while traveling from Oman to India.

The Prime Minister explained that the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) ship Kashmir was deployed for the relief mission. The Pakistan Navy provided essential food, medical aid, and technical assistance to the crew, ensuring the restoration of the ship’s systems and the safety of those on board. Prime Minister Sharif commended the Navy for once again displaying exceptional professional skills and humanitarian compassion. He emphasized Pakistan’s role as a responsible global actor in maritime security and humanitarian efforts, asserting the Navy’s readiness to handle emergencies.