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Maritime defence is impregnable: Pakistan PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stated that Pakistan’s maritime defence is impregnable.

Addressing the midshipman passing out parade at Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday, Sharif said the nation is firmly behind Pakistan Navy and would ensure that it is equipped with latest weaponry and technology to safeguard national frontiers.

The prime minister said “today Pakistan is more stable and more democratic”.

Sound policies to counter external as well as internal threats are bringing results today.

He said Pakistan Navy is capable and professional force and hoped that it would prove its mettle in safeguarding maritime interests of the country.

He pointed out that recent induction of indigenously made frigates, fast attack surface-to-surface missiles and acquisition of six modified P3C aircraft with latest avionics and sensors into Pakistan Navy will significantly add to the combat potential of the naval force.

Nawaz Sharif noted that midshipmen from brotherly countries are also on the parade.

The training they are receiving would not only help them in professionally serving their nation- but will also be a reminder of the long lasting friendship our countries mutually enjoy, he added.

Earlier, speaking at Foreign Office in Islamabad Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sounded on Friday an implied warning to his political rivals engaged in anti-drone protests saying they are pushing the country into isolation in the international arena. He said his government desired peace and friendship with other countries.

“Our effort is to transform the existing friendly ties into mutually beneficial partnerships. We live in a globalised world where no one can afford isolation at any level,” he said after inaugurating a new block at the Foreign Office.

He cautioned that isolation led a state to alienation from the world community. He did not make any direct reference to the ongoing suspension of Nato supplies through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because of protests by the PTI and Jamaat-i-Islami against drone attacks, but his comments were obvious about the subject and people he intended to address.

Sharif’s remarks came as the anti-drone protests spread to Balochistan for blocking the second land route used by Nato for shipment to and from Afghanistan.

The prime minister said his government was conscious of the challenges posed by extremism and terrorism and deteriorating economy. Listing his government’s policy priorities, he said their objective was to build a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood, reach out to regional and international partners, focus on “trade, not aid” and develop a consensus-based approach to counter terrorism.

He said his government had begun taking steps for achieving these goals by improving relations with Afghanistan, resuming dialogue with India, strengthening strategic partnership with China, rebuilding relations with the US, engaging with Europe and enhancing solidarity with the Muslim world.

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