In a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities, the launching ceremony of PNS Sahiwal (Designate) Gun Boat was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) on Wednesday. The vessel, indigenously designed by the Platform Design Wing (PDW) of Pakistan Navy and constructed at KS&EW, represents a major stride in the Navy’s pursuit of self-reliance. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, attended the ceremony as chief guest.
The PNS Sahiwal Gun Boat is a state-of-the-art platform, designed to perform a wide range of maritime security operations. Equipped with high-performance, long-range semi-automatic guns, the vessel is tailored to meet the evolving challenges in regional and coastal defence. Its launch underscores Pakistan Navy’s growing expertise in indigenous design and modern naval architecture.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami commended the synergy between the Pakistan Navy and KS&EW, terming the project a testament to the Navy’s unwavering commitment to indigenization. “The successful launch of PNS Sahiwal reflects the remarkable progress made by our naval design and shipbuilding capabilities,” he remarked. “This achievement is not only a source of national pride but a strategic necessity in the current maritime security environment.”
The Vice Chief of Naval Staff also expressed profound appreciation to the Ministry of Defence Production for its sustained support to the shipyard and emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing local shipbuilding infrastructure. He revealed that Pakistan Navy is actively considering the additional production of Gun Boats, which would further accelerate the indigenization process and bolster the technical capacity of KS&EW.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy, Ministry of Defence Production, KS&EW, and the national shipbuilding industry, reflecting the significance of the milestone for Pakistan’s defence and industrial landscape. PNS Sahiwal’s launch reaffirms Pakistan’s resolve to develop a self-sufficient maritime force, capable of safeguarding its maritime interests through indigenous strength and innovation.
