KARA CHI - Pakistan Navy has started constructing missile boat in Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) on Tuesday. The missile boat would be equipped with ant-surface missile, automatic guns and weapons system. Secretary Defence Production, Lt General Shahid Iqbal, attending the keel laying ceremony for the construction of missile boat as guest of honour, expressed his thanks to the Karachi Shipyard and, added, that it would help build up the defence capability of the Pakistan Navy. Following the handing over of two small tankers cum utility ships and launching of 22P-F Frigate, these missile boats with the cooperation of China are being built in the Karachi Shipyard. Appreciating the efforts of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, he said their contribution in naval ship-building is commendable and their capabilities in future will be fully utilised in construction of more naval platforms. He assured Defence Ministrys support to KSEW in all its plans for modernisation and expansion. He expressed confidence in Pakistan becoming a leading shipbuilding country in the region in line with its potential strategic location. KSEW Managing Director Commodore Sajid Wazir Khan spoke of the shipbuilding capabilities of KSEW and said this project is a challenge and opportunity to establish capability to undertake upcoming tasks while ensuring highest standards of quality. He lauded indigenous Fast Attack Craft construction and said it will go long way to support this important strategic public sector industry. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Defence Ministry, China Shipbuilding & Offshore Company and senior naval officials.