Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their congratulations to the Pakistan Navy on the induction of PNS/M Hangor into its fleet, highlighting the move as a major step in enhancing the country’s maritime defense capabilities.

According to Radio Pakistan, both leaders, in separate messages, expressed gratitude to the government and people of China for their cooperation, emphasizing that the Hangor program exemplifies the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. They asserted that PNS/M Hangor will be instrumental in protecting Pakistan’s maritime interests and territorial integrity.

The leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and strategic equilibrium in the region while simultaneously bolstering its defense capabilities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that the Hangor submarine project is a critical achievement in Pakistan’s pursuit of defense self-sufficiency. He also assured continued government support for enhancing the defense capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces and adapting to modern requirements.

Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Navy, engineers, and technical experts for their expertise and professionalism with the arrival of PNS/M Hangor in Pakistan.