Pakistan Navy Day marks sacrifice, courage and maritime defence

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid tribute to Pakistan Navy martyrs at a ceremony held at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

The naval chief laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument and offered Fateha for those who lost their lives while serving the country.

Senior Pakistan Navy officers, chief petty officers, sailors, civilian employees and families of martyrs attended the ceremony. Admiral Ashraf also met families of the Shuhada and acknowledged their sacrifices.

Admiral Ashraf highlights Navy’s role

In his message, Admiral Ashraf paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of the Pakistan Navy. He said their sacrifices had played an important role in protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and maritime security.

He said the Navy had developed into a strong maritime fighting force through professional training, determination and a commitment to duty.

The naval chief also highlighted the Navy’s continuing modernisation. He said new platforms, changing operational methods and improved preparedness were necessary to deal with emerging security challenges.

According to the naval chief, professional excellence remains important for maintaining Pakistan’s maritime defence. He also stressed that the Navy must remain prepared as regional security conditions continue to change.

Pakistan Navy Day is observed on September 8 to remember the Navy’s role during the 1965 war. A major part of the day’s history is linked with Operation Somnath, which targeted coastal installations at Dwarka.

Leaders remember Operation Somnath

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Pakistan Navy personnel in separate messages issued for Navy Day.

President Zardari recalled Operation Somnath, which was carried out during the night of September 7 and 8, 1965. He described the operation as an important moment in the development of the Pakistan Navy.

The president said the operation showed the courage and determination of naval personnel during the war. He also linked that spirit with the Navy’s role in more recent security operations.

Zardari referred to the Navy’s role during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025. He said the force maintained readiness and forward deployments to protect Pakistan’s maritime interests.

He also mentioned Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr, launched during the conflict in the Middle East. The operation involved efforts to protect Pakistan’s energy security and maintain the movement of essential supplies by sea.

Navy continues modernisation

The president highlighted the induction of new warships, Hangor-class submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems and locally developed long-range missiles.

He said these developments were part of efforts to keep the Pakistan Navy prepared for modern maritime challenges. The focus is not limited to wartime operations but also includes wider maritime security.

The Navy has also increased its participation in international maritime exercises and cooperation. Exercise Aman and the Aman Dialogue are among the initiatives used to promote cooperation between naval forces.

The events provide a platform for countries to discuss maritime security and work together on common challenges. The theme “Together for Peace” has also been used to underline the Navy’s focus on international cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the courage and dedication of serving personnel, veterans and families of martyrs.

He said September 8 serves as a reminder of the courage shown by naval personnel during the 1965 war. He also recalled Operation Somnath and the role of submarine ‘GHAZI’ in the conflict.

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PNS Ghazi remembered as a deterrent

During the 1965 war, PNS Ghazi became an important part of Pakistan’s naval strategy. Its presence was seen as a major deterrent against hostile movements in the region.

The prime minister said the Navy showed similar preparedness during Marka-e-Haq in 2025. He said the force helped deter a larger adversary from taking aggressive action at sea.

The Navy’s responsibilities today extend beyond traditional military duties. Protection of sea routes, maritime security, international cooperation and assistance during emergencies are also part of its wider role.

Pakistan’s sea routes are important for trade and the national economy. Any disruption can affect the movement of goods, fuel and other essential supplies.

Navy’s wider role in maritime security

Pakistan Navy has also focused on maritime diplomacy and technical cooperation with other countries. Training exchanges, defence cooperation and maritime industrial links have helped strengthen these relationships.

Humanitarian assistance is another area where naval forces can contribute during natural disasters and emergencies. This gives the Navy a role that goes beyond protecting the country’s coastline.

The observance of Navy Day therefore combines remembrance with a look at the force’s present responsibilities. The sacrifices of past personnel remain central to the occasion.

The day also highlights the importance of keeping Pakistan’s maritime capabilities ready for future challenges. Modern equipment, trained personnel and international cooperation are expected to remain key parts of that effort.