Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS and EW) today launched the indigenously designed gunboat PNS Sahiwal, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s naval modernization. Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, presided over the ceremony.

Designed by the Pakistan Navy’s Platform Design Wing (PDW) and constructed at KS and EW, the PNS Sahiwal boasts advanced weaponry, including high-performance, long-range semi-automatic guns, bolstering its maritime operational capabilities.

Admiral Bilgrami commended the collaborative work of PDW and KS and EW in advancing the Navy’s indigenization efforts. He acknowledged the Ministry of Defence Production”s ongoing support for KS and EW. The Vice Admiral emphasized the vessel”s versatility in performing various security operations at sea. He also revealed the Navy’s plans to produce more gunboats, further strengthening domestic shipbuilding and enhancing KS and EW”s capabilities.

Senior naval officers, Ministry of Defence Production representatives, KS and EW personnel, and shipbuilding industry figures attended the event.