Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan Navy Day was celebrated on Sunday with great devotion and enthusiasm to honour heroic achievements of the veterans and martyrs of Pakistan Navy, who fought gallantly against a much bigger adversary.
The Navy Day celebrations started with special prayers for national security and success of Kashmir’s freedom struggle in all mosques of Pakistan Navy, an Inter Services Public Relations news release said.
On September 8, 1965, during Operation Somnath, Pakistan Navy ships attacked the Indian port of Dwarka, destroying the Indian radar station and destroying the pride of the enemy.
Ghazi, the only submarine of the Pakistan Navy, maintained its dominance in the Indian Ocean during the war and paralyzed the 5 times larger Indian Navy in Indian ports.
Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf said in his message that September 8 is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan Navy, which reminds us of the eternal sacrifices and passions of our sailors.
He added that Pakistan Navy is recognized as a strong naval force in the region.
“Pakistan Navy is adding modern warships, submarines and maritime aircraft to its fleet to further strengthen the country’s naval defense,” the Chief of the Naval Staff said.
On this day the officers, CPOs, sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy pledge to stand firm till their last breath and last drop of blood in the invincible defense of the country and in case of any aggression.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sherhbaz Sharif on Sunday paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy on ‘Navy Day’, praising its role in the country’s defense, the bravery of officers and personnel, and their sacrifices.
In a message on Navy Day, President highlighted that the Pakistan Navy, during the 1965 war, proved its capabilities by conducting successful operations against the enemy.
The Pakistan Navy has full capability to deal with both traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges facing the country, the president added.
He emphasized that a strong navy was the guarantor of Pakistan’s security and prosperity.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to further modernize and strengthen the Pakistan Navy, the president said the Pakistan Navy played a key role in national defense and promoting regional peace.
“The Pakistan Navy is always ready to defend Pakistan’s maritime interests and territorial waters,” President Zardari said.
He said the nation was proud of the bravery, dedication, and patriotism of the Pakistan Navy and its personnel, adding that the sacrifices of the heroes of the Pakistan Navy serve as a guiding light for the nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the Pakistan Navy for their unwavering dedication to duty and passion for the country.
“On Navy Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all members of the Pakistan Navy. Their steadfast commitment to protecting our maritime boundaries exemplifies their unwavering dedication to duty and passion for the country,” the prime minister wrote on his official X timeline.
He said regardless of the challenges they faced, their determination and spirit remained resolute. “We deeply value their service and sacrifices, and their contributions to safeguarding our maritime borders.”