National Assembly (NA) standing committee on defence production has been told that first frigate F-22 P 22P equipped with high- tech radar system produced by China will be handed over to Pakistan Navy on July, 30 in Shanghai.

Committee met here Saturday under its chairman Sheikh Aftab in parliament house. Director General (DG) directorate of defence purchase and Managing Director (MD) Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) gave detailed briefing to the committee on the matters related to their institutions.

Managing Director KSEW, Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Ahmad told the committee manufacturing process of F-22P ship had been completed by China and this ship would be handed over to Pakistan Navy in a ceremony taking place on July, 30 in Shanghais. High tech radar system had been installed in this ship, he added.

KSEW had potential to manufacture a fleet of ships if funds were provided to it, he said adding Karachi shipyard had been awarded contract for manufacturing 6 ships and work was in progress in this respect.

Committee directed the government to take solid steps for transforming KSEW into a larger exports industry besides providing adequate funds to it.

Details of procedure in place in regard to defence purchases was presented in the committee meeting. Committee was told agreements had been reached with US, UK, France, China and other countries to meet the needs of armed forces.

A transparent system had been evolved in connection with defence purchases, committee was informed.