ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy Day is being observed across the country in order to pay a tribute to the valiant heroes of the 1965 war, who through Operation Somnath, struck a decisive blow against a larger adversary and defended the motherland with great courage and determination.
The day which celebrates the daring naval offensive of September 8, 1965, when a flotilla of Pakistan Navy warships advanced toward the Indian coastal town of Dwarka in Gujrat. The said operation, spearheaded by the destroyer PNS Babur and supported by PNS Khaibar and PNS Badr, was aimed at targeting a radar installation being used by the Indian Air Force to coordinate strikes against Pakistan.
Furthermore, at the stroke of midnight, Pakistani naval vessels opened fire on the radar station and surrounding areas, crippling the radar facility and disrupting Indian Air Force (IAF) operations. The successful execution of the mission not only inflicted material damage but also delivered a vital psychological setback to the enemy.
In this sense, all participating ships returned safely without any casualties, underlining the professionalism and preparedness of the Pakistan Navy.
Moreover, the Operation Somnath indicated the Pakistan Navy’s first-ever naval offensive and established its role as a formidable component of the country’s defense forces.
Despite being smaller in size compared to the Indian Navy, the operation demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to strike deep into enemy waters and effectively challenge superior forces.
The legacy of September 8 continues to inspire the armed forces and the nation, symbolizing resilience, sacrifice, and operational excellence.
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In the official address, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi appreciated the courage and professionalism of the 1965 war heroes, focusing on the fact that their sacrifices remain a source of inspiration for future generations. He reasserted the Navy’s resolve to remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threat to national security.
