Pakistan naval ship in Sri Lanka on goodwill visit

Thursday, 5 March 2015 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiquar arrived at the port of Trincomalee on 3 March on a four-day goodwill visit. This port call is part of a strong multifaceted relationship and engagement between the defence establishments of the two countries.

Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiquar is the pioneer ship of the Sword Class, F-22P Frigate Project. The steel cuttings of the ship was held on 10 October 2006. The keel of the ship was laid on 24 July 2007 and it was subsequently launched on 7 April 2008 for sea trails. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors and caries a Z9EC helicopter. The F-22P Project encompassed construction of three frigates in China while the fourth one was constructed at Karachi Shipyard. A number of activities of mutual interest are planned between the two navies during the visit, including a reception on PNS Zulfiquar on 4 March and a joint exercise on 6 March. Captain Amir Mahmood is the Commanding Officer of the visiting Pakistan Navy Ship. The Defence Advisor of Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Muhammad Rajil Irshad Khan is coordinating the visit and activities of the visiting ship. Earlier, PNS Zulfiquar visited Sri Lanka in September 2009 and December 2010.