.:: SAMAA - All needs of armed forces to be fulfilled: PM Gilani

Staff Report

KARACHI: All the needs of the armed forces will be fulfilled, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said while addressing the gathering of the joining of F-22P frigate ship in the Pakistan Navy on Monday.

PM Gilani said that Pakistan doesn’t follow any expansionist policy but it believes that it must maintain minimum deterrence to have peace and stability in the region.

He said that Pakistan is playing greater role than assigned to it for the world peace and regional stability.

He said that the nation proud of Pakistan Navy on the joining of PNS Shamshir in its naval vessels.

PM Gilani also announced Rs 50 million for the betterment of the soldiers of Pakistan Navy.

PAKISTAN RECIEVES FIRST CHINESE FIRGATE

China has delivered the first of four F-22P frigates it is manufacturing for Pakistan, a military official says, UPI reports.

The China Daily said that the first frigate was delivered to Pakistan and the remaining three ships from a 2005 order are expected to be completed and delivered before the end of 2013.

Pakistan's chief of naval staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, applauded the agreement between the two countries to produce the four military vessels.

"(The) F-22P Frigate project is the manifestation of everlasting strategic partnership between Pakistan and China," Bashir said at Thursday's delivery ceremony.

Pakistan reportedly ordered four additional F-22P frigates from China in 2007, meaning Pakistan's military would eventually count eight of the vessels among its fleet.

Bashir said a nuclear-powered attack submarine recently put into use by India was a concern for Pakistan but added the advanced submarine did not represent a major security threat. AGENCIES