Pakistan ship in Colombo

Pakistan Navy ship Pns Zulfiquar (F-22P Frigate) reached Colombo on Tuesday to participate in the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Navy. Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir also arrived in Colombo to participate in the celebrations.

On arrival in Colombo, the Ship’s band, dressed up in traditional naval uniform, presented melodious tunes as it sailed into the Colombo Harbour. The crew will participate in various events planned during the stay in Colombo, including the Presidential Fleet Review, International Band Fiesta and Sailing Regatta.

Pns Zulfiquar is the pioneer ship of the Sword Class, F-22P Frigate Project. It is the third ship, named Zulfiquar after the sword of Hazrat Ali. The steel cutting ceremony of the ship was held on October 10, 2006. The keel was laid on July 24, 2007 and the ship was subsequently launched on April 7, 2008 for sea trials. Upon successful completion of the trials and missiles and weapons firing, the ship was commissioned on July 30, 2009 in China. Upon arrival in Pakistan, the ship was formally inducted in Pakistan Navy Fleet on September 19, 2009.

The ship is fitted with state of the art weapons and sensors and carries a Z9EC helicopter. The F-22P Project encompasses construction of three frigates in China and also envisages complete transfer of technology for the construction of fourth ship at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

The ship visited Colombo during her maiden voyage from Shanghai in September 2009.