Pakistan Navy launches locally designed boat with long-range, semi-automatic guns

This handout photo released by Pakistan Navy’s Director General Public Relations shows launching ceremony of Pakistan Navy Ship Sahiwal Gun Boat at Karachi Shipyard in Karachi on July 24, 2025. (Handout/Pakistan Navy)
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Updated 24 July 2025
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Pakistan Navy launches locally designed boat with long-range, semi-automatic guns

  • Semi-automatic guns to enhance PNS SAHIWAL’s effectiveness in maritime missions, says navy
  • Pakistan Navy considering additional production of gun boats, says vice chief of naval staff

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a locally designed boat with long-range, semi-automatic guns to enhance its operational effectiveness in maritime missions, the navy said in a statement on Wednesday.

PNS SAHIWAL has been indigenously designed by the Platform Design Wing (PDW) of the Pakistan Navy and is under construction at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW).

The launching ceremony was held at the KS&EW with senior naval officials, including Vice Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, in attendance.

“This state-of-the-art vessel will be equipped with high-performance, long-range semi-automatic guns, enhancing its operational effectiveness in maritime missions,” the navy said.

Bilgrami highlighted that the gun boat will be equipped to perform diverse maritime security tasks. He praised the joint efforts of the PDW and KS&EW in promoting the navy’s indigenization policy.

“He also stated that Pakistan Navy is considering additional production of Gun Boats,” the navy said. “It would eventually boost both indigenization process and uplift of KS&EW.”


JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

Updated 24 min 59 sec ago
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JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

  • MoU focuses on awareness and development of compliant virtual-asset solutions in Pakistan
  • Pakistan introducing licensing regime for crypto firms as it formalizes digital-asset oversight

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani financial-technology platform JazzCash has signed a memorandum of understanding with global cryptocurrency exchange Binance in the United Arab Emirates to explore cooperation on virtual-asset use and education in Pakistan, the company said on Wednesday.

The agreement sets a framework for discussions on awareness campaigns and future digital-asset products that would comply with Pakistan’s emerging crypto regulations. The move signals growing engagement between global blockchain companies and Pakistani fintechs as authorities shift toward formal licensing of the sector.

Pakistan has spent the past year drafting rules to regulate the fast-expanding market for digital coins and tokens, requiring virtual-asset service providers to obtain government approval. Officials say the transition is aimed at curbing money-laundering and terror financing risks, boosting transparency and encouraging responsible innovation.

“JazzCash has always championed technologies that expand financial access while promoting secure and inclusive participation in the digital economy," JazzCash Chief Executive Officer Murtaza Ali said. 

“By entering into this exploratory MoU with Binance, we are advancing our efforts to understand how global digital-asset trends can support Pakistan’s evolving regulatory landscape. We aim to engage responsibly, support regulatory progress, and advance opportunities that build trust, transparency and innovation for our customers.”

The MoU does not establish a commercial partnership, but marks one of the most high-profile engagements between Pakistan’s fintech sector and a global crypto exchange as the country moves toward regulated digital-asset adoption.

Binance welcomed the cooperation, framing it as part of Pakistan’s shift toward regulated digital-asset activity.

"With regulatory frameworks like [Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority] PVARA paving the way, this collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding financial inclusion and empowering more people to access the benefits of blockchain technology in a secure and compliant environment," Binance Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan said.

Earlier this month, Binance executives met Pakistani finance officials to discuss digital-payments reform, blockchain-skills training and the potential for Web3-linked jobs. Pakistan also set up the Pakistan Crypto Council and formed PVARA this year to license and supervise crypto-asset service providers.