Pakistan armed forces are the military forces of Pakistan. They are the 6th largest forces in terms of active military personnel and the largest among Muslim countries. The armed forces consist of three forces named as; Army, Airforce, and Navy. Today, we are going to put the limelight on our Navy. Pakistan Navy is the naval warfare branch of Pakistan’s armed forces and it is responsible for the defense of important civilian harbors and military bases along with the 1.046 km long coastline with the Arabian Sea. Pakistan Navy came into existence after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. The president of Pakistan Serves as the Supreme Commander of Navy and the Chief of Naval Staff heads the Navy, currently by Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi. Its prime role is to protect the country’s economic and military interests at home and abroad, executing the foreign and defence policies of the Government of Pakistan through the exercise of military effect, diplomatic activities and other activities in support of these objectives.
However, Pakistan Navy manages to achieve all its aims under their banner of ‘Himmat ka Alam, Allah ka
If we look into the history, Pakistan Navy has been through a number of events, among them is the most important one, Youm-e-Bahria, 8th September in commemoration of Pakistan Navy’s victory in 1965. Pakistan Navy completely destroyed Indian Base at Dwarka without any support from Army or Air Force. This did not allow India to plan any further air attacks on Karachi as their radio system was crippled. On the other side Pakistan Submarine Ghazi under the command of Commander (Later Vice Admiral) Ahmed Tasnim Sitara-e-Jurat with bar hit torpedo at Indian Navy Ship Khukri which sank in a matter of minutes, which is commonly known as Submarine Operation 1971.
Since 2001, Pakistan Navy has increased and expanded its operational scope, and has been given greater national and international responsibility in countering the threat of sea-based global terrorism, drug smuggling, and piracy. The role and importance of Naval forces of Pakistan has been significantly expanded as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has started to gain its momentum in the region, along with the Chinese navy joint patrols are being held as well as providing land and sea-based security to secure shipping lanes has become a top priority task for Pakistan Navy to counter terrorism and to make sure that peace prevails in the region. Furthermore, In December 2016 Pakistan’s Navy established TF-88 a taskforce that is designed to ensure there is security for maritime trade, this will guard the shipping lane routes by protecting Gwadar Port. It is also a member of NATO combined task forces, CTF-150 and CTF-151.
This reputable institution of armed forces is the custodian of Pakistan’s second-strike capability with the launch of the submarine-based cruise missiles capable of carrying conventional as well as nuclear warheads. To further show its mighty existence and to flaunt its heroic powers and stature in the region Pakistan Navy holds a disputed region between India and Pakistan which is rich in Oil and gas and has its importance in terms of fishing, known as Sir Creek.
In conclusion, I would further like to tell you that Pakistan Navy has played its key role not only in the field of defense but in nation-building as well. The Institution has established Bahria colleges in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Ormara. It also runs the Pakistan Navy Education Trust and the future plan includes forming a Bahria College and University in Gawadar. It has been noted that Pakistan Armed Forces have been ranked 13th most powerful on Global Firepower Military Strength Index, which of course along with Army and Airforce combined, includes our Navy too. With great pride, I must conclude, that Pakistan Navy is one of the most prestigious institutions of Pakistan and it has always played a key role in protecting our beloved country Pakistan from evil forces. Long Live Pakistan Navy!
Pakistan should look at a long term investment in Pakistan Navy if CPEC is to be successful.
Building a modern navy is absolutely integral.