Pakistan

Turkey starts construction of four MILGEM ships to be sold to Pakistan Navy

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees great potential for defence partnership between Pakistan and Turkey, decries situation in occupied Kashmir. — Anadolu Agency

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2020

Editor

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees great potential for defence partnership between Pakistan and Turkey, decries situation in occupied Kashmir. — Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday attended a dual ceremony commissioning a new Turkish naval ship while starting construction of a ship set to be sold to Pakistan’s navy.

Turkey is one of 10 countries worldwide able to build, design, and maintain warships using its own national capabilities, President Erdogan told the ceremony for the TCG Kinaliada, commissioned today for the Turkish navy, and a MILGEM (Turkish national warship programme)-class ship being built for Pakistan.

In his speech, Erdogan said he hopes the Kinaliad, an Ada-class corvette, will benefit the Turkish nation and its sailors and further hopes Pakistan, a friendly sister nation to Turkey, will also benefit from the ship whose construction started today.

In July 2018, Pakistan’s navy signed a contract for the acquisition of four MILGEM-class ships from Turkey. MILGEM vessels are 99 metres long, have a displacement capacity of 24,00 tons and have a speed of 29 nautical miles.

MILGEM anti-submarine combat frigates, which can be hidden from the radar, will further enhance the defence capability of the Pakistan Navy.

While two corvettes will be built in Turkey, the next two will be built in Pakistan through technology transfer.

“Our navy, rich with glorious victories, is carrying this legacy into the future by further strengthening it,” said Erdogan.

Its top-class “equipment, discipline, qualified personnel and all the accomplishments it undertakes” makes Turkey proud, he said.

Erdogan said recent events globally and especially in the Mediterranean point to the need to strengthen Turkey at sea, as in all other areas.

Greece and Greek Cyprus have recently challenged Turkey’s right to use the energy resources of the Eastern Mediterranean, but Turkey has not backed down, and continues to send drill ships to the region with military escorts.

Turkey is resolved to reach heights domestically in all areas including shipbuilding, artillery, missiles, torpedoes, and electronic systems, Erdogan said.

Turkey making more and more defence equipment

Erdogan said the time is also close for Turkey to build its own fighter jets, just as it has built its own manned and unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites.

“We have not forgotten the time when we could not buy ships, planes and tools that we wanted, even when we wanted to pay for them,” he said.

Erdogan stressed that the corvettes that have been put into service to date have successfully fulfilled their duties by taking part in numerous national and international exercises.

“We have many more projects to strengthen our navy, and work on the diesel-electric submarine project, which will meet the needs of both our country and friendly states, is ongoing,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey’s dependence on foreign trade in the defence industry has dropped from 80 per cent to 30pc.

“Today, we have five firms among the world’s top 100 defence companies, and hopefully this number will continue to climb.

“Our goal is to eliminate our dependence on the foreign defence industry completely by 2023,” he said. Turkey will celebrate its centennial in 2023.

Pakistan, Turkey cut first metal plate of MILGEM Ada class corvette

Pakistan Navy Commander Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi and Erdogan cut the first metal plate of the first of the four MILGEM Ada class corvette during the ceremony.

Erdogan told the audience that Pakistan-Turkey relations had great potential for cooperation in the field of defence production.

Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Erdogan said the world should know the sufferings of the occupied territory.

He likened the situation of occupied Kashmir to Palestine and added that more than 8 million Kashmiris are braving Indian atrocities in an open-air prison on their territory.

Erdogan declared that he would continue to raise the Kashmir issue and the sufferings of the Kashmiri people.

Admiral Abbasi in his speech, described the project as another proof of Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood. He also briefed the guests on the latest situation in Jammu and Kashmir that is under Indian administration.

Abbasi talked about the toxic Hinduvta ideology in India and its threats to regional and international peace. He emphasised that Indian cruelty has risen to new levels after the Indian government’s decisions on August 5, which are against the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

The admiral extended his gratitude to the President Erdogan for raising the Kashmir issue in the United Nations General Assembly and added that the people of Pakistan and the occupied region owed unwavering support to Turkey.

Turning to the ongoing problems in Jammu and Kashmir, Erdogan decried how no other countries besides Turkey and Malaysia have spoken out on the issue.

The India-occupied region has been facing a clampdown since August 5, when the Indian government revoked Article 370 of the constitution, which conferred it a special status.

Hundreds of people, mostly political leaders, have been detained or arrested by authorities since the Indian government made the move.

Pakistan

“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

EDITOR

a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.