ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and China have made yet another landmark achievement in expansion of their long and unwavering bilateral defence cooperation when Beijing delivered the third of the four F-22P frigates PNS SAIF to Pakistan Navy on Wednesday. Sources in Pakistan Navy informed TheNation that the newly built warship of the Sword Class series constructed by Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard Shanghai was delivered in a colourful and impressive ceremony. Pakistan Navy has already embarked on its plans to get the fourth ship constructed at the Karachi Shipyard which is progressing satisfactorily as per schedule , sources informed, adding the move would greatly help the country to achieve self-reliance towards defence of its territorial waters. F-22P Frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. The ships also carry Z9EC helicopters onboard. Addition of these ships has strengthened PN Fleet with much needed capabilities while contributing in enhancement of countrys shipbuilding capabilities. Named as PNS SAIF, the ship is third of its series of four F-22P Ships. Design and construction of these ships started in year 2005 after signing of a contract between Ministry of Defence Production and China Ship Building and Trading Company (CSTC). Under the contract, three ships were to be constructed in China while the fourth ship at Karachi Shipyard under Transfer of Technology arrangements. First and second F-22P ships named as PNS ZULFIQUAR and PNS SHAMSHEER have already been commissioned in Pakistan Navy. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir, who attended the commissioning ceremony as chief guest, said that Pak-China relationship is unique which over the years has matured in all the fields particularly defence. Besides Pakistan Navy officials, high-rank officials from PLA (Navy) and senior management of Chinese Government, SASTIND, CSSC, HZ Shipyard and CSTC also attended the ceremony. Admiral Noman Bashir reiterated the need of further strengthening the relationship along with Pakistans commitment of achieving common objectives of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He emphatically stated that present regional geo-political environment warrants Pakistan Navy to remain prepared to defend countrys sovereignty while contributing towards regional peace and stability. While appreciating the Chinese engineers & technicians, the Chief Guest remarked that similar to first and second ships, ahead of schedule delivery of the third ship as well, is an extraordinary achievement. He emphasised that this would not have been achieved without focused approach at all levels of management and acknowledged the hard work put in by all stakeholders as well as the close cooperation which had prevailed between Pakistan Navy, PLA (N), HZ Shipyard and CSTC. He said that soon after its return PNS SAIF would form the mainstay of Pakistan Navys surface force.