Pakistan Naval Ships PNS NASR and SAIF will be arriving today at Colombo Port for a four-day goodwill visit. This port call is part of the strong multifaceted relationship and engagement between the defence establishments of both countries. Commodore Zahid Ilyas, is the Mission Commander of the visiting Pakistan Naval Ships.
Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF is a SWORD class F22P Frigates of Chinese origin. It is equipped with state of the art weapons, sensors and machinery, making it capable of undertaking a variety of maritime operations. The PNS SAIF, commanded by Captain Jawad Ahmed has the honor of participating in a large number of multinational exercises.
The PNS NASR is a leading unit of Pakistani Navy Fleet's 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron. Its name, an Arabic word meaning "HELP", denotes its combat support role vital for sustained naval operations at sea. PNS NASR, commanded by Captain Rizwan Ali Munawar has also participated in a large number of the multinational exercises. PNS NASR also participated extensively in tsunami relief operations in 2004 at Maldives.
A number of activities of mutual interest are planned between the two navies during the visit, including a reception on PNS SAIF on 2nd October 2014.
