Two Chinese ships join Pakistan navy for joint security

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan

China has handed over two ships to Pakistan Navy for security of the sea route along multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The ships named after two local rivers- Hingol and Badol- were handed over to Pakistani navy officials at a ceremony held at Gwadar Port, a key component of CPEC on Saturday.

"The ships will be part of Pakistan navy from today and will make the security of the CPEC stronger," said Vice Admiral Fasihullah Hussaini, Commander of the Pakistan Navy, who received the ships from Chinese officials during the ceremony.

Two more Chinese ships - Zhob and Dhast - will soon be delivered to Pakistan navy, Vice Admiral Hussaini added.

Pakistan has already raised a 10,000 men strong force for security of the $46 billion CPEC which aims to connect China with Pakistan's southwestern Gwadar port through a network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport cargo, oil and gas. This will provide the shortest route to Chinese cargo destined for the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.