Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has become the first Pakistan prime minister to board a submarine in the open sea, as well as conducting diving and surfacing procedures, after which he earned the traditional Dolphin insignia of the navy, which is bestowed upon submariners.
The premier made his maiden voyage onboard the PN Saad (submarine) along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, a press release issued here said.
During his visit, PM Abbasi was briefed on the history of Pakistan Navy’s submarine force and achievements made by this elite force during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
The premier also performed different procedures including submarine diving.
He was presented with Pakistan Navy’s traditional insignia of “Dolphin”, the first prime minister of the country to receive this distinction.
Abbasi on his final day of his three-day trip to Karachi also witnessed different operational exercises conducted at the sea.
The prime minister expressed his utmost satisfaction on the operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy.
During his visit to the sea, the premier said: “I feel reassured that Pakistan Navy is fully committed and ready to effectively protect our maritime frontiers, including Gwadar Port and CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects against all challenges and threats.”
Abbasi witnessed the operational exercises from Pakistan Navy Ship NASR.
Upon arrival onboard, he was welcomed by naval chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.
The prime minister was briefed on the overall conduct of operational demonstration.
Abbasi was also presented with an impressive fly-past by various aircraft and helicopters.
At the end, all participating ships carried out skim-past in a column formation and presented the “Qaumi Naraa” to the premier.
After reviewing the operational demonstrations by navy’s fleet combatants, the prime minister arrived at Jinnah Naval Base Ormara, where he visited the base facilities/installations, including Remote Data Station Mianwali.
He also lauded the social development initiatives undertaken by the navy along the Makran coastal belt, especially in health and education sector.