By The South Asia Times 

RAWALPINDI — The commissioning ceremony of PNS KHAIBAR, the second Pakistan Navy MILGEM-class ship, was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Türkiye, with President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gracing the occasion as the chief guest, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf,, also attended the ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance Pakistan attaches to its naval partnership with Türkiye.

Addressing the ceremony, President Erdoğan described the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye as exemplary, rooted in shared history, mutual trust, and strategic convergence. He emphasized the need to further enhance collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the field of defence production, to meet evolving regional and global security challenges.

The Turkish president noted that joint defence projects such as the MILGEM programme reflect the growing depth of bilateral cooperation and serve as a model for future partnerships between the two nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the commitment and professionalism of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the Original Equipment Manufacturers involved in the planning, design, and construction of Pakistan Navy MILGEM ships. He lauded the timely execution of the project and appreciated the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The naval chief highlighted that sustained bilateral engagements between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces have played a vital role in strengthening defence collaboration, enhancing interoperability, and reinforcing the enduring strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

Following the commissioning ceremony, President Erdoğan visited PNS KHAIBAR, where he was presented a guard of honour and interacted with the ship’s crew. During the visit, the Turkish president and Admiral Naveed Ashraf exchanged views on maritime security in the region and discussed avenues for future joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces, particularly in areas of training, exercises, and defence industrial cooperation.

PN MILGEM-class ships are among the most technologically advanced surface platforms in the Pakistan Navy’s fleet. The vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems, modern weapons, and advanced sensors, significantly enhancing the navy’s operational capabilities across the full spectrum of maritime operations.

The contract for the construction of four MILGEM-class ships for Pakistan was signed in 2018 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and M/s ASFAT, Türkiye. Under the agreement, two ships were constructed in Türkiye, while the remaining two are being built in Pakistan.

The commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of construction of both ships in Türkiye, representing a major milestone in Pakistan’s naval modernization and defence industrial cooperation with Türkiye.