Musharraf satisfied over navy's operational readiness

Karachi, Nov 4 (UNI) Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has said his country will radiate a constant presence in the region through naval operations, maritime diplomacy and exercises with foreign navies.

The President, who is currently in Karachi, told officers and sailors of the Navy here that the continued participation of the navy in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) is an extension to this policy and has earned laurels globally.

Pakistan had joined the CMCP, a coalition of the world's top navies, two years ago.

The President stressed on an extraordinary level of operational preparedness as the key to safeguard sea frontiers and thwart any aggressive designs.

''I expect and am confident that the navy officers and sailors will exhibit the highest degree of professionalism and dedication, keeping abreast with the latest doctrine and procedures, to deter any threat or act of terrorism from the sea.'' General Musharraf reaffirmed his resolve to fulfil all essential requirements of the country's navy.

The indigenous programme of submarine construction has included Pakistan in the elite club of countries which have mastered this technology, he noted adding that the F-22 P Frigate, P3-C Orion aircraft and Z-9C helicopter deals would augment the existing naval fleet.

The first of the four Chinese-origin F-22P frigates are likely to join the Navy by 2008 while the eight P-3C orion aircraft, which the US has agreed to provide free of cost, will start arriving in Pakistan next year.

The Pakistan navy plans to purchase four Z-9C helicopters, which will join its aviation arm with induction of F-22Ps.

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