ISLAMABAD - In a manifestation of the strong political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and defence ties between the two friendly countries, Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Shamsheer will be arriving at Colombo Port for a 4-day goodwill visit from 30 November to 3 December.
Pakistan Navy (PN) ships pay port calls to Sri Lanka on frequent basis, with the aim to further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Pakistan Naval Ship PNS is the third ship to be so named. PNS Shamsheer derived its name from the traditional word “Shamsheer” which means sword and is a special type of sabre with a 5-15 degree curve from top to tip. Swords are considered as the symbol of valour in Muslim history.
The first ship of the class inducted in Pakistan Navy was HMPS Shamsheer (F-252) which was inherited at the time of independence. It served the Pakistan navy fleet as an Anti-Submarine Frigate as well as training ship for cadets and sailors till 1960.
The second ship was a leader class ASW Frigates (F-263) acquired from Royal Navy in July 1988 and served Pakistan Navy fleet till July 2002.
Present PNS Shamsheer was launched on 31 October 2008 and was commissioned in Pakistan Navy on 19 December, 2009. The ship sailed for her maiden passage for the homeland on 25 December, 2009. 
While berthed at Colombo Port, Mission Commander Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir and Captain Syed Rizwan Khalid will pay a courtesy calls on Commander of Navy, Director General Operations and Commander Western Naval Area.
During their stay at Colombo, the officers and men of the PNS Shamsheer will also take part in various professional activities with Sri Lankan Navy.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have strong defence ties and both navies engage in multifaceted cooperation. The Pakistan Navy provides a number of conventional training courses to Sri Lankan navy personnel, while Sri Lankan navy shares its experience and expertise with regard to anti-terrorism operations at sea.