PN MILGEM Class ships are the most technologically advanced surface platforms being constructed for Pakistan Navy. The ships will be fitted with the latest Command & Control Systems, including modern weapons and sensors. The contract for the construction of 4 MILGEM class ships for Pakistan was signed between the Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan, and M/s ASFAT (Turkish Firm) in 2018. Under the project, two ships are under construction at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the other two are being constructed at KS&EW, Karachi.

While addressing the occasion, the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan admired the collaboration of the Ministry of Defence Production, the Ministry of National Defence of Turkiye, M/s ASFAT, KS&EW, and Pakistan Navy for synergized efforts to make the project a success and congratulated them on the successful launch of the ship. He added that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye is unique because of the deep-rooted historical ties between the two brotherly countries, and such defence cooperation shall continue in the future as well. 

While addressing the ceremony, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz described the brotherly Pakistan-Turkiye relations as exemplary and acknowledged the potential for more collaboration in Defence Production. He lauded the efforts and remarkable work done by KS&EW and M/s ASFAT and emphasized adopting a proactive approach for the timely completion of undergoing projects. He strongly condemned the recent incidents of terrorism in Pakistan and appreciated the people of Pakistan for their all-out support during the earthquake in Turkiye.

During his speech, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi highlighted that these ships would significantly enhance Pakistan Navy's combat potential and augment peace and security in the region. The Admiral emphasized that PN has kept the policy of indigenization at the forefront, and hence it is very satisfying to see the state-of-the-art warship being built in the country.

Earlier, MD KS&EW Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, in his welcome address, highlighted that Karachi Shipyard is fully cognizant and completely aligned with the goals set forth by the Government of Pakistan for self-reliance in the defence shipbuilding industry. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials from Pakistan and Turkiye, including officers and key representatives of the Pakistan Navy, M/s ASFAT, and KS&EW.