Naval chief visits forward bases and installations

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, Friday visited the forward naval bases and installations in the coastal areas of Gwadar and Pasni to review the operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy. The Naval Chief was accompanied by Commander Coast Rear Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi. During his visit, Admiral Sandila was given a detailed briefing on the operational readiness and Air Defence along the Makran coast.
The Naval Chief was also apprised of various projects being undertaken by Pakistan Navy for the welfare and progress of local populace. He was briefed that PN has introduced a special selection and recruitment package for the youngsters of Balochistan, Naval Selection and Recruitment Centre established at Gwadar is an extension of this package. Apart from recruiting in sailors' cadre, a considerable induction is also being made in the officers' category. PN has also reintroduced N-Cadet scheme in Balochistan whereby students would be admitted to selected cadet colleges for a period of five years. Later, they would be given an option to join Pakistan Navy. An unprecedented concession package has also been introduced for the people of Balochistan wherein officers would be inducted in Short Service Commission without undergoing ISSB. They would also be given special relaxation in the standard academic and age criteria. In Gwadar, Turbat, Pasni and Ormara recruitment is also being carried out through mobile selection teams.
Admiral Sandila was also briefed on PN efforts to promote education in Balochistan. Pakistan Navy is extending free education facility to a large number of students through Bahria Model Schools at Gwadar and Ormara. In addition, various Government schools are being run under the patronage of Pakistan Navy where provision of teachers, free books and furniture is ensured. A Model School up to the Intermediate level is also currently under construction at Ormara. A mega project of constructing a cadet college at Ormara is also being undertaken. Later, Chief of the Naval Staff interacted with the officers and men and emphasised on synergy and jointness between various departments employed along the coast for coastal security.-PR