Pak Navy raises Task Force-88 for protection of CPEC and Gwadar Port

Islamabad [Pakistan], Dec. 14 (ANI): Pakistan Navy has raised a dedicated Naval Task Force-88 for protection of CPEC and Gwadar Port. The task force would ensure security of Gwadar Port and CPEC in maritime domain. The Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, General Zubair Mahmood Hayat was the Chief Guest of the Ceremony and was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on his arrival. While addressing the ceremony, Hayat lauded the initiative taken by Pakistan Navy in raising a dedicated Task Force for maritime security of CPEC. He said that the initiative by Pakistan Navy would contribute significantly towards the success of CPEC. General Hayat also acknowledged the role being played by Pakistan Navy in ensuring safe and secure maritime environment which is an essential pre-requisite for maritime economy to flourish. "The role of Pakistan Navy is deeply embedded in the maritime operationalisation of CPEC as it will be required to shoulder greater responsibilities to ensure protection of growing maritime trade and to provide security to our sea lanes", he said. Earlier in his address, Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbassi, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Operations, said that viability and assured dividends of CPEC related projects are intrinsically linked with the security of maritime domain. He said that providing security to CPEC on land as well as making its maritime prong safe is vital for the projects' success and in this regard, ensuring maritime security remains an important responsibility of Pakistan Navy which is set to grow in the coming years. Earlier, during his welcome address, Chairman of GPA thanked Pakistan Navy for ensuring security of Gwadar Port and highlighted the importance of Gwadar Port for the prosperity of Pakistan. The Chairman also handed over the traditional Command Telescope to the first Commander of Task Force-88, Commodore Muhammad Waris, on the occasion. The Ceremony was attended by Federal Ministers, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan and other Civil, Military and Foreign Dignitaries. (ANI)