Islamabad: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, has declared that the Pakistan Navy has transformed into a formidable maritime fighting force driven by professional excellence, unwavering determination, and a deep spirit of sacrifice. In a message issued on the occasion of Navy Day, Admiral Ashraf said the naval force continues to modernise its operational platforms and adopt evolving military concepts to address growing maritime security challenges. Paying tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of the Pakistan Navy, the Naval Chief emphasised that their selfless sacrifices played a foundational role in safeguarding the country's national sovereignty and maritime borders.

The occasion was also marked by official commendations from state leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their felicitations to the officers, sailors, and civilian personnel of the Pakistan Navy. Both leaders expressed confidence in the navy's capability to uphold its operational traditions and execute its duties with courage, honour, and distinction.

Highlighting the historical significance of the observance, President Zardari recalled Operation SOMNATH the Pakistan Navy’s action against the heavily guarded Indian naval coastal station at Dwarka during the night of 7 and 8 September 1965. The President stated that the operation demonstrated the Navy’s bravery and tenacity while laying the foundation for a resilient force committed to bolstering the nation's maritime defence and deterring adversary actions.

Echoing these sentiments, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that 8 September serves as an inspirational reminder of the valour and resolve displayed by naval personnel during the 1965 war. The Prime Minister added that during Marka-e-Haq last year, the Pakistan Navy demonstrated the same high level of operational readiness and spirit, effectively deterring a numerically superior adversary from committing acts of aggression at sea.