In an impressive ceremony held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard Shanghai, China on May 10, 2023, two newly built Type 054 A/P Frigates, namely Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan, were commissioned in Pakistan Navy (PN). Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and handed over the traditional command scrolls to the Commanding Officers of PN Ships.

Speaking on the occasion, CNS highlighted that the commissioning of PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan ushers a new chapter in Pak-China friendship that has matured and rests firmly on the pillars of trust, respect, and mutual support. The same is manifested in our defense collaborations. Naval Chief added that with the active support of the People's Republic of China, PN had undertaken substantial measures to strengthen its force structure and progressive capability enhancement. The Chief Guest underscored that completing the Type 054 A/P Project is a significant leap towards strengthening capabilities to respond to maritime threats and contribute to the region's peace and stability.
Towards the end, the Admiral thanked and praised the concerted efforts made by all major stakeholders involved in the development of the ships, including BOMETEC, SASTIND, PLA (N), HZ Shipyard, and CSTC, for the timely completion of the project despite pandemic challenges.
The contract for four multi-role frigates (Type 054-A/P) for PN was signed between Pakistan and China in 2018. The first and second ship, PNS Tughril and PNS Taimur, joined the PN fleet in 2022. The development of these state-of-the-art naval units for the PN is hinged upon modern stealth design with the capability to simultaneously engage in multiple naval operations to counter maritime threats. The 4000 tons’ frigates are technologically advanced and highly capable platforms with massive surface-to-surface, land attack, surface-to-air, underwater firepower, and extensive surveillance potential. These ships will provide deterrence and means for averting threats in our region while contributing towards the protection of Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCS).
High-level civil and military dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Pakistan to China and officials of Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard attended the ceremony.