CPEC increased importance of Gwadar port, coastal belt: Naval Chief

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said that the importance in terms of security of entire coast in general and Gwadar port in particular has been increased manifold due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
He was addressing a ground breaking ceremony of the new building for 3rd Force Protection Battalion of Pakistan Navy which was held at Gwadar on Wednesday.
As per press release issued, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah reaffirmed commitment of Pakistan Navy to provide infallible security to the vital PN assets and installations along the western coast and as well as maritime components of CPEC.
The 3rd Force Protection Battalion is an operational segment of Pak Marines and was raised in March 2013 for protection of Gwadar Port as well as offshore infrastructure including sensitive installations in the city and at coastal belt.
The Battalion is capable of conducting Anti Amphibious Operations, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief Operations in its area of responsibility.
During his visit to the installations of Pakistan Navy at Coastal belt of Balochistan, the Admiral had meetings with the officers and sailors of Pakistan Navy deployed at Gwadar and Ormara and highly lauded their high morale and dedication in defence of maritime frontiers of Pakistan.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notables of local community, a large number of Naval personnel and representatives from sister services.