ISLAMABAD, Apr 7 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf has welcomed the launching of the frigate "PNS Zulfiqar" in Shanghai, China today. Applauding the launch, the President said that the development of the frigate project was another landmark achievement testifying to close Pakistan-China friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.

This will greatly enhance Pakistan Navy's capability to safeguard our territorial waters and help its modernization, he added.

The sea launching was done at a special ceremony in Hudong Shipyard, Shanghai which was attended by the chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, Ambassador of Pakistan to China Salman Bashir and high ranking dignitaries from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information and PLA Navy.

The F-22 type frigate will be equipped with the state of art equipment.

The project will be completed in the next five years with the commissioning of the last frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.