Pakistan inducts fast attack naval vessel

Islamabad, April 23 (IANS) The Pakistani Navy Monday inducted its first fast attack missile boat - PNS Azmat - in a bid to boost its advanced warfare capability and prowess.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at China's Xingang shipyard in Tianjin, the Pakistani Navy chief, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, said the force was fully prepared to counter any challenges to the country's sovereignty or threats to the security of its waters, Online news agency reported.

PNS Azmat is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors. This ship is meant to strengthen the Pakistan Navy's fleet with advance naval warfare capability and prowess. Work on the construction of two such crafts began in June 2010. The construction of the second craft will be completed in Pakistan by the end of 2012.

On its way to Pakistan, the ship will stop over in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.