New Naval Air Station starts working in Turbat

KARACHI: The operationalisation ceremony of the Naval Air Station Turbat was held at the PNS Siddiq in Turbat on Thursday.

Federal Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif was the chief guest on the occasion, while Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was also present on the occasion. Upon the minister’s arrival, he was warmly received by Chief of the Naval Staff.

In his address, Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted that this major naval facility would boost Pakistan Navy’s capability for the defence of the motherland, and would enhance the naval power over the Arabian Sea and especially its strategic reach westwards.

He said that the dual utilisation of the Naval Air Station, Turbat, would accrue dividends, both for the maritime defence and in the economic sector by yielding best value for money.

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

The chief guest also lauded strenuous efforts of the 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 by the government of Pakistan to strengthen the Pakistan Navy. “This will help ‘the Guardian of the Sea’ [Pakistan Navy] to discharge onerous responsibilities in the most befitting and efficient manner,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Commander Coast Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem highlighted strategic and economic importance of this Naval Air Station. He also underlined Pakistan Navy’s efforts in providing quality education, healthcare facilities and employment to the people of Balochistan in general and the people of Turbat in particular. He thanked all PN officers who remained associated with this mega project and made untiring efforts in turning this dream into a reality. He also thanked the Ministry of Defence for providing all out support towards completion of this state-of-the-art Naval Air Station.

During the ceremony, Pakistan Navy 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.