: 108–109 [10] The frigates perform missions including air defense, enemy interdiction, extraction and patrolling the economic exclusive zone (EEZ).

: 341 [15] Initial interests were directed towards procuring the Type 053 and Type 054 frigates in 2004, eventually signing a bilateral agreement with China to design the frigates influenced from both designs at the initial price of $600 million USD with the conclusion of the technology transfer to Pakistan on 4 April 2006.: 391 [16] The contract was expanded with China as the Pakistan Navy ordered to equip the Zulfiquar class with six Z-9EC helicopters with anti-submarine capability and additional ammunition according to their specifications, concluding the final cost at $750 million USD.

[24] The fourth and last frigate PNS Aslat was built with transfer of technology at the KS&EW Ltd. and commissioned on 17 April 2013.

[14][25][26] In 2010, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Numan Bashir, quoted in the media of the Navy's intention to expand its fleet by procuring additional ships.

[27] In 2015, it was reported that Pakistan Navy awarded the contract to the KS&EW Ltd. to build two more Zulfiquar-class frigates, which as of September 2018 are being constructed.

[4] A small antenna on the roof may provide a data-link, allowing the Z-9 to act as a relay for targeting data between the ship and long range anti-ship missiles such as the C-802.

Ten militants which included four rogue ex-Pakistani navy personnel were killed by Pakistani forces in their efforts to foil the capture attempt.

[45][46] PNS Zulfiquar (251), lead ship of the Zulfiquar-class frigates, during a visit to Port Klang, Malaysia, on 27 August 2009: