Thu, September 17, 2026
Karachi (Web Desk): Pakistan Navy Day is being observed today to pay tribute to the courageous servicemen who defended the country during the 1965 war, confronting a considerably larger enemy force and making the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of their homeland.
The occasion recalls the historic naval offensive known as "Operation Dwarka", codenamed "Operation SOMNATH", when seven major warships of the Pakistan Navy embarked on a bold operation deep into hostile territory.
During the mission, the naval fleet struck important coastal targets, destroying an Indian radar facility and a radio beacon located at Dwarka. The attack not only damaged vital installations but also dealt a significant blow to Indian morale and national pride.
Pakistan Navy's submarine Ghazi also played a crucial deterrent role during the 1965 conflict. Its presence demonstrated the country's naval capability and operational strength, while posing a serious challenge to the enemy and discouraging attempts to threaten Pakistan's security.
In his message on the occasion of Navy Day, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has stated that Pakistan Navy has transformed into a formidable maritime fighting force driven by professional excellence, unwavering determination and a deep spirit of sacrifice.
He said Pakistan Navy continues to modernize its platforms and adopt evolving operational concepts to meet the growing challenges.
The Naval Chief paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of the Pakistan Navy, saying their selfless sacrifices played a role in safeguarding country's sovereignty and maritime security.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their greetings to the officers, sailors and civilian personnel of the Pakistan Navy on Pakistan Navy Day, praising their services and sacrifices for the country.
In separate messages, the president and the premier expressed confidence that the Navy would continue its proud legacy and perform its duties with courage, honour and professionalism.
President Zardari paid tribute to the Navy personnel for their “determination, courage and professional excellence” over the years. He recalled the “daring” Operation Somnath, carried out against the Indian naval station at Dwarka during the night of September 7-8, 1965.
The president described the operation as a historic achievement that “laid the foundations of a formidable force,” demonstrating the courage and resilience that have remained associated with the Pakistan Navy.
He said the same determination was witnessed during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, when the Navy maintained operational readiness and forward deployments to protect Pakistan’s maritime interests and deter a numerically larger Indian naval force from posing a threat.
President Zardari also referred to Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, launched amid the continuing Middle East conflict, saying the Navy helped safeguard the country’s energy security and economic lifelines by ensuring the movement of sea-borne energy supplies.
He highlighted the Navy’s modernisation, including the induction of new warships, Hangor-class submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems and indigenous long-range missiles, describing these developments as part of efforts to build “a contemporary and potent maritime force.”
The president also praised the Navy’s contribution to maritime diplomacy through Exercise Aman and the Aman Dialogue, held under the theme “Together for Peace.” He noted that the force has also repeatedly served as a “first responder” during national and regional emergencies, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Reaffirming government support for the armed forces, Zardari expressed “complete faith” in the Navy’s ability to retain its professionalism and technological strength in protecting Pakistan’s maritime interests.
He concluded his message with “Pakistan Navy Zindabad” and “Pakistan Paindabad.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately paid tribute to the Navy’s martyrs, veterans and serving personnel for their courage, sacrifices and commitment to defending the country.
On September 8, he extended his greetings to Navy officers, sailors, civilian employees and their families, saying the day remains a reminder of the bravery and determination displayed during the 1965 war.
He recalled Operation SOMNATH at the Indian Naval Station in Dwarka, saying Pakistani warships, despite facing a larger and heavily armed adversary, successfully targeted important shore installations with precision and established psychological ascendancy at sea.
The prime minister also highlighted the presence of submarine ‘GHAZI’ in the Indian Ocean, saying it restricted enemy movements and became an important chapter in naval warfare.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq in 2025, Shehbaz said the Pakistan Navy again demonstrated strong preparedness and determination, deterring a numerically superior adversary from taking aggressive action at sea.
He said the Navy’s role has expanded significantly in the current strategic environment. “Pakistan Navy plays a pivotal role in securing our international sea lines of communications and vital trade routes.
Given the recent heightened tensions and disruptions in maritime activities through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan Navy once again demonstrated its resolve by ensuring uninterrupted movement of Pakistani flagged merchant vessels, especially PoL carriers, in the face of deteriorating regional security,” PM Shehbaz said.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the Navy’s contribution to Pakistan’s soft power through Exercise AMAN and AMAN Dialogue, which bring the international naval community together under the banner, ‘Together for Peace’.
He said regional goodwill had also been strengthened through technical cooperation, maritime industrial links, training exchanges and maritime diplomacy.
The prime minister said, “Today, Pakistan Navy stands as a robust and technologically advanced sentinel of our seas, having evolved with the strategic vision of its leadership and an indigenous biased modernization programme.”
He said the induction of MILGEM-class corvettes, HANGOR-class submarines, aviation assets and indigenous cruise and ballistic missiles reflected the Navy’s efforts to develop specialised capabilities to meet emerging maritime challenges.
“The Government and people of Pakistan have full confidence in the professionalism, discipline and operational readiness of Pakistan Navy. I am confident that Pakistan Navy will continue to uphold its proud traditions and discharge its responsibilities with courage, honour and distinction,” he said.
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