Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the Pakistan Navy for its pivotal role in protecting the country’s maritime interests with commendable efficiency despite facing resource constraints. His appreciation came during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where he engaged in discussions on national security and operational readiness with senior naval officers.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was greeted by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and received a Guard of Honour from a naval contingent. He paid his respects at the Shuhada monument by laying a floral wreath and was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers of the Naval Headquarters.

The discussions focused on regional maritime security concerns and the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, particularly its successful efforts to thwart a recent terrorist attack on the Naval Airbase in Turbat. Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of a robust economy as foundational to overcoming the nation’s challenges.

Admiral Ashraf expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit and his trust in the Navy’s capabilities. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s maritime boundaries and interests with honor, highlighting ongoing efforts and future plans for modernization to enhance operational effectiveness.

A comprehensive briefing provided to the Prime Minister detailed the current maritime environment, challenges faced by the Navy, and strategies employed to address these issues. Special emphasis was placed on the necessity of enhancing the Navy’s capabilities to confront both present and future maritime threats. The briefing also touched on leveraging the economic potential of the maritime sector as a strategic advantage for the country.