- Says CPEC project will not only bring prosperity in Pakistan but in whole region
- Pakistan Navy’s special Task Force-88 for CPEC maritime security inaugurated
GWADAR, Dec 13 (SABAH): Pakistan Navy’s special ‘Task Force-88’ (TF-88) has been inaugurated on Tuesday for maritime security of Gwadar port and protection of associated sea lanes against both conventional and non-traditional threats. Commodore Muhammad Waris has been appointed as Commander of the TF-88. He will perform duties under the Navy regulations and orders from Naval Headquarters.
An International Maritime Conference on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held at Gwadar on Tuesday to commission the TF-88 force.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat expressed his satisfaction that the task force will ensure safe operationalization of CPEC. He said CPEC has created a lot of economic activities for Pakistan, adding that CPEC project will not only bring prosperity in Pakistan but in whole region. He said Pakistan Navy is taking all necessary steps for the protection of maritime security. He said Pakistan Navy will continue to protect the maritime interests of the country in befitting manner.
He lauded the role of Pakistan Navy to secure the maritime environment for the flagship project of CPEC.
The Chairman said CPEC and Gwadar Port will usher in new arenas of prosperity in the entire region. He said it will give major boost to the economy.
He hoped that Pakistan Navy will continue with its endeavors to ensure maritime security of the project. He said CPEC holds promising future for our coming generations.
He added that Gwadar was the crown of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said maritime security principally is comprehensive concept. He said in this concept army, air force and Navy are included.
The creation of the special maritime force has been necessitated by the operationalisation of CPEC, which is expected to lead to a surge in maritime activity at Gwadar – the nodal point for CPEC – and the sea lanes. This has in turn increased the maritime susceptibilities there.
TF-88 is to comprise ships, Fast Attack Craft, aircraft, drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), and surveillance assets. Additionally, marines would be deployed at sea and around Gwadar for security operations, according to a senior Navy official.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Hayat, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri attended the conference, Federal Ministers Mir Hasil Khan Bizinjo, Abdul Qadir Baloch and Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Sun Waidong.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was to attend the conference but his flight from Lahore was delayed due to dense fog, Admiral Zakaullah said.-Sabah
