President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the officers and sailors of the Pakistan Navy on the occasion of Navy Day, being observed on September 8.
In their separate messages, the two leaders stated that during the 1965 war, the Pakistan Navy made history, and Operation Somnath became a symbol of fear for the enemy.
They added that the Pakistan Navy is playing a vital role in global peace missions, and the nation is proud of its martyrs and war heroes.
“The Pakistan Navy is the guardian of the nation and the architect of our bright future; it has always made the nation proud,” they said.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that the Pakistan Navy would continue to safeguard the country’s maritime frontiers and contribute to regional peace and stability with the same spirit of service, courage, and excellence that had always defined it.
The president conveyed his profound gratitude and admiration to the men and women of the Pakistan Navy who stood as the nation’s first line of defence at sea.
“This day is an opportunity to recall with pride the daring feats of our naval warriors and to recognise the vital role the navy continues to play in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers,” the president said.
The president paid homage to the martyrs whose sacrifices would never be forgotten and also saluted the ghazis whose steadfastness remained a source of national pride.
“Their courage strengthens the resolve of the entire nation,” he added.
President Zardari said the 1965 war reminded them how, with courage and resolve, the Pakistan Navy wrote a golden chapter in history by striking far into enemy waters and disrupting their sense of security.
Operation Somnath became a symbol of audacity and skill, inspiring generations of sailors to come, he added.
Since then, he said, the Pakistan Navy has steadily evolved into a modern and multi-dimensional force.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the soldiers, officers and personnel of the Pakistan Navy for their determination, courage and professional performance in defending maritime borders and the interests of the country.
“Today, on Navy Day, I pay tribute to all the soldiers, officers and personnel associated with the Pakistan Navy, whose determination, courage and professional performance of duties have always made the nation proud.”
“This day, we not only pay tribute to the glorious history of the Pakistan Navy and its officers but also take an opportunity to reiterate the resolve to protect the country’s maritime borders and maritime interests,” he added.
He said, “The history of the Pakistan Navy is full of stories of bravery in which Operation Somnath in the 1965 war holds a memorable status.”
“In this operation, the Pakistan Navy launched a decisive attack on the Indian coastal city of Dwarka and destroyed the communication system,” he recalled.
“This operation was not only a demonstration of the bravery and practical capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, but it also laid the foundation for the unwavering commitment to safeguard the country’s maritime integrity and sovereignty,” he added.
“The victory of this historic battle still fortifies the spirit of the naval forces for defending the homeland and reminds us that the security of Pakistan’s maritime borders is under the vigilant supervision of the Pakistan Navy,” he noted.
He said, “Even after the 1965 war, the key role of the Pakistan Navy in maintaining the balance of power in the Arabian Sea is a testament to its professional ability and strategy.”
“In the recent battle, the Pakistan Navy successfully demonstrated its readiness and determination in line with its bright history. The successful defence sent a clear message that Pakistan knows how to protect the security and integrity of its maritime borders at all costs,” he stressed.
