Pakistan is observing Navy Day today to honour the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Navy.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended a ceremony at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
The naval chief laid a floral wreath at the memorial and offered Fateha for the martyrs. He also met the families of Navy personnel who lost their lives in service.
Pakistan Navy officers, chief petty officers, sailors, civilian staff and families of the martyrs also attended the ceremony.
Navy Day recalls 1965 war
Pakistan observes Navy Day on September 8 each year.
The day honours the role of the Pakistan Navy during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. It also remembers the sacrifices of naval personnel who served in the defence of the country.
In his message this year, Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid tribute to the Navy’s martyrs and Ghazis.
He said their sacrifices helped protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and maritime security. He also said the Navy has developed into a strong maritime fighting force through professional excellence, determination and sacrifice.
Operation Dwarka remembered
The occasion also recalls the Pakistan Navy’s 1965 operation against the Indian coastal station at Dwarka.
Pakistani official sources refer to the operation as Operation Somnath. The operation took place on the night of September 7-8, 1965, and remains an important event in Pakistan Navy’s history.
Pakistan says the operation demonstrated the Navy’s resolve and contributed to the defence of the country’s maritime interests during the war.
Navy highlights modern maritime role
Admiral Naveed Ashraf has also stressed the need for continued modernisation of the Pakistan Navy.
He said the Navy is adopting new operational concepts and modernising its platforms to meet changing maritime challenges.
The Navy has also highlighted the importance of professional training, readiness and technological development.
Today’s ceremonies therefore combine remembrance of past sacrifices with a focus on Pakistan’s current maritime security needs.
