KARACHI - Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila on Friday visited the forward naval bases and installations in the coastal areas of Gwadar and Pasni to review the operational preparedness of the Pakistan Navy. The Naval Chief was accompanied by Commander Coast Rear Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi.
During his visit, Admiral Sandila was briefed on the operational readiness and Air defence along the Makran Coast.
The Naval Chief was apprised of various projects undertaken by Navy for welfare and progress of the local populace. He was told that the PN had introduced a special selection and recruitment package for the youngsters of Balochistan. Naval Selection & Recruitment Centre established at Gwadar is an extension of this package. Apart from recruiting in sailors’ cadre, a considerable induction is also being made in the officers’ category. The PN has also re-introduced N-Cadet scheme in Balochistan whereby students will be admitted in selected cadet colleges for a period of five years. Later, they will be given an option to join Pakistan Navy. An unprecedented concession package has also been introduced for the people of Balochistan wherein officers will be inducted in Short Service Commission without undergoing ISSB. They will also be given special relaxation in the standard academic and age criterion. In Gwadar, Turbat, Pasni and Ormara, recruitment is being carried out through mobile selection teams. Admiral Sandila was also briefed on the PN efforts to promote education in Balochistan. Pakistan Navy is extending free education facility to a large number of students through Bahria Model Schools at Gwadar and Ormara.
In addition, various government schools are run under the patronage of the Navy where provision of teachers, free books and furniture is ensured. A Model School up to the Intermediate level and a mega project of constructing a cadet college at Ormara are also underway.
Later, Admiral Chief interacted with the officers and emphasized on synergy between various departments employed along the coast for coastal security. He lauded the operational preparedness of units deployed at sea and ashore for coastal defence of the country.