RAWALPINDI:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised a resolute posture and operational dexterity of Pakistan Navy and underscored that the guardians of the country’s maritime frontiers were fully capable of executing high-intensity operations, like the historic Operation Dwarka, once again.
The prime minister visited the naval dockyard in Karachi to pay tribute to the navy for its pivotal role in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He lauded the officers and sailors’ exemplary professionalism, combat readiness and steadfast commitment to national defence.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, the prime minister conveyed the nation’s deep appreciation for the armed forces, and reaffirmed unwavering confidence in their capabilities.
Operation Dwarka was a naval operation launched by Pakistan Navy on September 7-8, during the 1965 war. The operation involved a naval bombardment of the coastal town of Dwarka, located in the Indian state of Gujarat, with the objective of destroying a radar station, guiding Indian bombers.
The operation was a resounding success, as the Indian radar station was damaged that hampered the Indian air force’s operations. Operation Dwarka demonstrated Pakistan Navy’s superb capabilities, as it achieved its objectives without sustaining any losses.
Recalling Pakistan Navy’s proud legacy of decisive operations, the prime minister underscored that the navy remained “fully capable of executing high-intensity operations akin to the historic Operation Dwarka, whenever and wherever required”.
During the visit, the prime minister boarded the Type-054A Class Destroyer, PNS TAIMUR, where he was briefed by Commander Pakistan Fleet on the Pakistan Navy’s strategic orientation, operational undertakings, and noteworthy contributions during the ongoing operation.
The prime minister interacted with officers and sailors and lauded their exemplary professionalism, combat readiness and steadfast commitment to national defence.
He commended the navy for its “resolute posture, operational dexterity, and effective deterrent response in countering adversarial maritime threats”.
The prime minister particularly praised the navy’s critical role in safeguarding sea lines of communication and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade, while maintaining absolute maritime sovereignty through a layered and assured seaward defence.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, the prime minister was received by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu were also present.
The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the ISPR press release stated.
