Pakistan Navy lauded for defending maritime borders, advancing blue economy

ISLAMABAD: On Navy Day, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the country’s navy's enduring legacy of valor and professionalism, reaffirming its pivotal role in national defense and maritime prosperity.

The Pakistan Navy stands as a resolute guardian of the nation’s maritime frontiers, championing the “Blue Economy”, safeguarding maritime borders, and securing vital seaborne trade routes.

Prime Shehbaz, in his message shared on X, paid tribute to all the youth, officers, and personnel associated with the Pakistan Navy.

Operation Somnath 

“Today’s day, along with paying tribute to the glorious history of Pakistan Navy and its officers, also provides an opportunity to renew the commitment to protecting the country’s maritime borders and maritime interests,” he said in his messaged.

Recalling the successful conduct of Operation Somnath during the 1965 war, in which, Pakistan Navy carried out a decisive attack on the Indian coastal city of Dwarka, destroying its communication system, the prime minister wrote: “This operation was not only a demonstration of Pakistan Navy’s bravery and operational capabilities but also laid the foundation for the unwavering commitment to the protection of the country’s maritime integrity and sovereignty.”

Balance of power 

Even after the 1965 war, the Pakistan Navy’s key role in maintaining the balance of power in the Arabian Sea is living proof of its professional capability and strategy, the prime minister highlighted.

Referring to the role of Pakistan Navy in the tensions with its south Asian neighbor in May this year, Shehbaz wrote: In the recent conflict with India, Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth), the Pakistan Navy, true to its glorious history, successfully demonstrated its readiness and determination. The successful defense sent a clear message that Pakistan knows how to protect and preserve the security and integrity of its maritime borders at all costs.

The Pakistani prime minister emphasized: Besides the war front, the Pakistan Navy is also playing a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector. In the blue economy, the development of ports, the welfare and well-being of the maritime community, and economic aspects, the Pakistan Navy is playing its full role. It can be said with pride that the Pakistan Navy is the guardian of the country and the architect of our bright future.

He said: The protection of communication routes in waterways, humanitarian assistance in disasters, and the Navy’s role in international joint exercises have enhanced Pakistan’s respect and prestige among the countries of the world. By highlighting the benefits of the maritime sector and through sectoral initiatives, the Pakistan Navy has introduced new dimensions of development and prosperity, the prime minister concluded.

Message from Pakistan’s naval chief

 In his message on the Navy Day, Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf stated: Nations that commemorate their historic milestones and draw enduring legacy from them, remain ever poised and resolute in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of their homeland.

In a post shared on X by the Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Pakistan Navy, the naval chief wrote: Regarded amongst our most significant commemorations, 8th September stands as a testament to the courage of naval warriors, whose steadfast resolve at sea shines like a beacon, guiding future generations.

Recalling Operation Somnath, Admiral Ashraf, wrote in his message, a Pakistan Navy flotilla comprising seven major warships displayed exceptional professionalism by launching a surprise attack on the Indian coastal town, Dwarka. This daring operation inflicted irreparable damage on vital shore installations, including a key radar station, which seriously impaired enemy's visibility and severely dented its operational capability. Equally, during the 1965 war, Pakistan Navy Submarine GHAZI emerged as a formidable deterrent.

The naval chief in his message further wrote: During “Marka-e-Haq”, Pakistan Navy demonstrated resilience and combat readiness that radiated deterrence and a firm resolve to ensure impregnable defence of our sea frontiers. Our operational preparedness and poise kept the adversary at bay, protected our vital maritime interests and helped preserve uninterrupted flow of seaborne trade, he added.

Maritime exhibition and conference

Pakistan Navy remains committed to advancing nation’s maritime sector. Pakistan Navy is leveraging vast potential of our Blue Economy to foster sustainable economic growth and deliver huge economic dividends to the country.

In this pursuit, the second Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC-25) is scheduled to be held from 3-6 November this year at Karachi Expo Centre. This is where global stakeholders are being invited to connect, invest and elevate Pakistan's maritime economic contributions and transform the region's maritime landscape.