PNS SAIF RETURNS AFTER OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT TO BANGLADESH AND SRI LANKA
PNS SAIF returned to Pakistan after a successful overseas deployment to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The ship visited Chattogram, Bangladesh - marking the first visit by a Pakistan Navy ship in over 20 years, which also coincided with the visit of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Bangladesh extended a warm welcome and displayed exceptional hospitality during the visit.
During its visit to Sri Lanka, PNS SAIF participated in the International Fleet Review-25, held as part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations. While the ship was in Sri Lankan waters, the country was struck by Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in a severe humanitarian situation. PNS SAIF promptly executed critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the affected areas, saving lives and, with support from its Z9EC helicopter, delivering food and medical aid. Pakistan’s timely humanitarian assistance received widespread international appreciation.
To honour the ship’s achievements, Commander Pakistan Fleet received PNS SAIF upon its return and commended the crew for their professional conduct of HADR operations under demanding conditions. Mission Commander Commodore Zeeshan Nabi and Captain Shujaat Abbas PN were also praised for the skillful execution of their responsibilities. Through this deployment, PNS SAIF reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation, humanitarian support, and the maintenance of peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.