The Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK recently visited Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat to celebrate Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day on August 14, 2024. The day began with a flag hoisting ceremony on the ship’s deck, where the ship’s crew presented a Guard of Honour and the national anthem of Pakistan was played. The Ambassador of Pakistan, along with the Defence Attaché and children from the Pakistan School Muscat, participated in the ceremony wearing various colourful Pakistani attire. Prayers were also offered for the safety and protection of Pakistan.
In the evening, a reception dinner was hosted onboard the ship, which was attended by diplomats, including ambassadors and military attaches from various countries, as well as senior officers from the Royal Armed Forces of Oman and prominent members of the Pakistani community. The visit of PNS YARMOOK to Muscat is part of the Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) duties, which is an initiative by the Pakistan Navy to contribute to regional maritime security, safeguard international shipping, and ensure freedom of navigation at high seas.
PNS YARMOOK is part of the 14th Destroyer Squadron of the Pakistan Navy Fleet and is equipped with an organic helicopter and Maritime Security Warfare team. The purpose of the ship’s visit was to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan, as well as between the Royal Navy of Oman and Pakistan Navy. Before departing from Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, the Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK conducted a Passage Exercise with a Royal Navy Oman Ship in the Sea of Oman.
Overall, the visit of the Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK to Muscat was a symbolic gesture of the strong relationship between Oman and Pakistan, as well as a demonstration of the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to regional maritime security. The flag hoisting ceremony, reception dinner, and Passage Exercise with the Royal Navy Oman Ship all highlighted the close ties between the two countries and their respective naval forces. This visit also provided an opportunity for diplomats, military attaches, and community members to come together and celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day in a foreign land.
The presence of the Ambassador of Pakistan, Defence Attaché, and children from the Pakistan School Muscat added a touch of cultural exchange to the celebrations, as they wore colourful Pakistani attire and participated in the flag hoisting ceremony. The prayers offered for the safety and protection of Pakistan served as a reminder of the importance of national security and unity. The reception dinner onboard the ship provided an opportunity for networking and dialogue between diplomats, military officials, and community members from Pakistan and other countries.
The Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) duties undertaken by the Pakistan Navy Ship YARMOOK underscored the importance of collaboration and cooperation in ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region. By conducting a Passage Exercise with the Royal Navy Oman Ship, the Pakistan Navy demonstrated its commitment to maintaining strong naval ties with Oman and other countries in the region. The visit of PNS YARMOOK to Muscat served as a platform for building trust and mutual understanding between the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan, highlighting the shared interests and goals of the two nations in the maritime domain.