KARACHI, Jul 24 (Alliance News): The Pakistan Navy launched the indigenously designed PNS Sahiwal (Designated) Gun Boat at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW), marking another step forward in the country’s drive for self-reliance in maritime defense.
According to a press release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Navy), the state-of-the-art gun boat has been designed by the Platform Design Wing (PDW) of the Pakistan Navy and is currently under construction at KS&EW.
The vessel is equipped with long-range, high-performance semi-automatic guns, significantly enhancing its operational capacity for diverse maritime missions.
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he commended the collaborative efforts of the PDW and KS&EW in furthering the Navy’s vision of indigenization.
He also acknowledged the vital support of the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) in advancing this strategic initiative.
Vice Admiral Bilgrami emphasized that the gun boat will play a critical role in strengthening Pakistan Navy’s maritime security operations.
He revealed that the Navy is considering expanding the production of such vessels, which would further enhance the indigenization process and contribute to the growth and modernization of KS&EW.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy, representatives of MoDP, KS&EW, and stakeholders from the shipbuilding industry.
